Eric Bailly has revealed that he joined Manchester United in 2016 after snubbing interest from City, with a personal phone call from Jose Mourinho convincing him to head for Old Trafford.
Eye-catching performances for Villarreal had brought the Ivorian defender onto the recruitment radar of leading sides in England.
Those at the Etihad Stadium were keen on doing a deal, with Pep Guardiola taking City’s managerial reins that summer.
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The Blues’ Catalan coach was, however, beaten to a much sought-after signature by his old adversary Mourinho – who had just taken charge at United.