Benjamin Mendy snubbed Antonio Conte but couldn’t resist moving to Manchester for Pep Guardiola
Benjamin Mendy made it clear to Monaco that he would not leave them for Chelsea after their successful season, but was desperate to pair up with Pep Guardiola
BENJAMIN MENDY left Monaco for Manchester in an expensive move this summer, but it has now been revealed that he only moved for the opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola.
Monaco's vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has revealed that although they were reluctant to sell the defender, Mendy's desire to team up with Guardiola is why they finally relented.
Several clubs showed an interest in the full-back, but the Ligue 1 champions held off until Manchester City came in with an offer.
Chelsea were one of the top European clubs who had their eye on the 23-year-old, but Vasilyev spoke openly about Mendy not wishing to move to Stamford Bridge for Antonio Conte.
City were the only club the Frenchman said he would leave Monaco for and when they came in with an offer that would make him the most expensive defender in the world the French side had little choice.
Vasilyev spoke of his frank conversations with Mendy, who he claims said: "If it was Chelsea, I'd stay; but if it's a chance to work with Guardiola, I want to go."
When Mendy completed his move to City, he formed part of their expensive defensive purchases with his fee totalling £52million.
Mendy is a keen Twitter user and has made it clear that he thinks Pep is good both on and off the pitch, recently tweeting that 'boss got banter too'.
Most read in football
Mendy joined Manchester City on a five year deal during a summer where they were splashing their cash on defenders.