Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic says he has been assured by the club that they “count on me”, despite reports linking him with a move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer.
The Croatia international is reportedly wanted by Serie A clubs Juventus and his former side Inter Milan, while he has entered the final year of his contract with City without being offered an extension.
Kovacic, 32, made only nine appearances for Manchester City last season after Achilles and ankle injuries kept him out for much of the campaign.
New manager Enzo Maresca gave an uncertain response when asked about the midfielder’s future following Saturday’s friendly against Inter. Maresca said:
“Mateo is our player, until the day he is here I will try all my best.
“It is my duty to try to help players give their best. If he is here I am happy and we will continue to work with him.”
Kovacic, however, said he had not sensed any doubt within the club over his position.
“I didn’t feel the question marks from them. I spoke with them, it was that they count on me, which was important for me to hear that from them,” he said.
“And now, like I said, for the players it’s always on you to show your best version, because if you are playing good, the manager will put you first.”
Kovacic has also been handed an opportunity to play a bigger role in midfield because Spain World Cup-winning midfielder Rodri is unlikely to be available for the opening part of the season after undergoing back surgery.
He played 45 minutes in the friendly against Inter and could deputise for Rodri, although Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez and club-record signing Elliot Anderson are also competing for a starting place in central midfield.
“I’ve played together with Rodri and without him as well,” said Kovacic. “So with him not being here now I can of course fill that spot, but let’s see when he comes back.”
Anderson has yet to join up with his new team-mates because he has been given extra time off after representing England at the World Cup, where the side reached the semi-finals.
The 23-year-old moved to City from Nottingham Forest for £116m after establishing himself as one of the club’s standout players and featuring in all 38 of Forest’s Premier League matches last season.
Kovacic believes Anderson will bring energy and quality to Manchester City’s midfield.
“I think a lot of quality, a lot of physicality because he has shown that he is capable of running a lot, being good on the ball, being good off the ball,” he said.
“He is young, so he can improve a lot still at City, and I think it’s a great signing for us.”
Premier League clubs have invested heavily in midfielders in recent years. Chelsea paid £115m for Moises Caicedo and £106m for Enzo Fernandez, while Arsenal signed Declan Rice for £100m.
Kovacic said the level of midfield talent in England was one reason the Premier League remained the strongest competition.
“I think it is the best league and the best players are here,” he added. “There are some amazing midfielders. Newcastle’s Bruno [Guimaraes], Aston Villa have many good midfielders.
“[Manchester] United are now bringing midfielders. So I think every club has some great midfielders.”
