Zinchenko rejected transfer offers last summer, Guardiola reveals

Oleksandr Zinchenko

has established himself as an important player for

in their current campaign. The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium last summer as he struggled to get enough game time. In a post-match interview after his side’s 2-1 defeat against

on Saturday,

Pep Guardiola

confirmed Zinchenko’s transfer offers and praised the Ukrainian’s decision to prove himself at Manchester City.

"Oleks [Zinchenko] fought a lot to be at Man City, a transfer was possible, he said ‘no I want to be here’.

"That means a lot. He’s a guy who played in another position, never complains. He doesn’t make mistakes. When you say something, he reads it immediately."

The Catalan added:

"He is always focused, always concentrated.

"As a left-back he fights against [Mohamed] Salah, [Marcus] Rashford, [Angel] Di Maria - the toughest opponents and he doesn’t make mistakes.

"His quality with the ball is exceptional, we know it..."

Zinchenko joined Manchester City from the Russian side

in 2016. He was loaned out to

for a year and spent a successful season at the Eredivisie club. However, tough competition in Manchester City’s backline prevented him from playing regularly for Guardiola’s team. Zinchenko’s incredible form in the current season has persuaded the Spanish coach to use him more often. The Ukrainian has featured in 18 league matches for the Citizens as they are on the verge of winning their seventh Premier League title.

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