Bottomless_Sailor said:
An English club is going to have to say no to Real Madrid eventually.
united did, only to capitulate a couple of seasons later, when viruses were back on the menu.
City to Real, in many respects, is no longer a step down. There is so much upward momentum with this club at the moment it would be difficult for anyone who was central to that to walk away from it. There's also the spirit within the squad to consider. Sergio as been part of a core group of players who have shared something really special, never to be repeated if FFP has any teeth. To be at the heart of something while it evolves, as City has in recent seasons, is a truly intoxicating experience, as it has been for all of us as City fans. That's also a lot to give up.
The bond he has with the supporters and the club will also play a part, but not an overriding one. His ambitions will come first and in a short career there's nothing wrong with that.
The point is that staying at City has as much prospect of him realising his ambitions as moving to Real. Spanish football has major systemic problems which may very well hamper Barca and Real in the years ahead. I'd be surprised (but not completely shocked) if he moved there in the next 18 months and I reckon he realises that it is a move he could very well live to regret.
All that said, if he did go, his enduring place in our hearts is guaranteed. He's been an absolute credit to himself since he signed and his place as my favourite City player of all time is forever guaranteed.
Unless we sign his mate.
