Maybe he backs himself to become the key piece Pep envisioned when he was signed? Not sure how many more examples we need of poor season 1 players who kicked on in season 2 before we trust City and Pep's judgement.I really don’t get that though as he will never ever be first choice at City, he will only be a squad player and rotation for Rodders.
He would start every week at Newcastle and be playing in the Champs League, he’d be mad to not be keen.