Martin Demichelis was on the verge of returning to his native Argentina with champions River Plate during the off-season.
Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis admitted he was all but set for a River Plate comeback until the move fell through.
Demichelis signed a one-year contract extension with City during the offseason, but that was before the 35-year-old seriously considered returning to River, where he emerged from the youth ranks in 2000.
The veteran Argentina international, who will partner countryman Nicolas Otamendi in the absence of injured center back Eliaquim Mangala, said his bags were packed for his homeland, however, coach Marcelo Gallardo decided against the move.