I think Lakey has said something like that in an interview once, But if Lakey wanted to play for England and become captain and then win silverware Manchester City was not the place to be was it?
Lakey's Level, injury-free was World class, it was like putting Redrum in the donkey derby race and taking bets on the race pointless, Nobody would have questioned Lakey wanting to better himself with a move. just like John Stones leaving Everton, it was going to happen because players want to prove to everybody and themself they can play and belong at that level,