Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic has addressed speculation regarding his future at the club, stating that management has communicated their confidence in him. The Croatia international, now 32 years old, acknowledged reports linking him with moves to Italian clubs Juventus and his former team Inter Milan this summer.
Kovacic is entering the final year of his contract at Etihad Stadium without a new deal having been offered. The midfielder appeared in only nine matches for City last season due to Achilles and ankle injuries that sidelined him for much of the campaign. New manager Enzo Maresca offered measured comments about Kovacic’s status following a friendly against Inter on Saturday, emphasizing that the player remains contracted to the club.
The midfielder expressed confidence in his role, noting that he had received reassurance from the coaching staff about his importance to the team. He acknowledged that maintaining strong performances on the pitch is essential for securing regular playing time. With Spanish midfielder Rodri undergoing back surgery and unlikely to be available for the opening portion of the season, Kovacic indicated he could fill that gap while other midfielders including Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, and new signing Elliot Anderson compete for positions in the team’s middle of the park.
Anderson, who joined City for £116m from Nottingham Forest, is currently enjoying additional rest following England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals. Kovacic praised the 23-year-old’s attributes, highlighting his physicality, ball-handling capabilities, and potential for future development. The midfielder also reflected on the substantial investment English clubs have made in their midfields in recent years, citing examples from across the league while noting the depth of talent available at the club’s rivals.
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