Maximo Perrone insists that the chance to work with Pep Guardiola was a key factor in his decision to join Premier League leaders Manchester City over Newcastle United, speaking to the City website.
One of Argentina’s brightest young hopes looked set for St James’ Park at one point.
Newcastle entered talks with Perrone’s representatives the other side of Christmas; closing in on a deal that would have seen the Albiceleste u20 international join the Eddie Howe revolution on Tyneside.
That was, however, until Man City made their interest known; Perrone dropping everything in favour of a side who overhauled Arsenal at the top of the table following Wednesday’s dramatic 3-1 win at the Emirates Stadium.
Maximo Perrone chooses Man City despite Newcastle interest
“Everything Pep says will help me,” the 20-year-old explains, joining forces with a man renowned the world over for transforming raw materials into a Michelin star dish.
“I’m here to grow and, here, I have the best possible help. (City’s style of football) is the style of football I’ve always enjoyed. I define myself as a player who loves to have the ball, enjoys passing, and obviously I will get stuck in to recover the ball.
“There’s no better place than this right now.”
Man City paid around £8 million for the former Velez Sarsfield starlet, handing the ‘spectacular‘ Perrone a five-and-a-half year contract. Perrone has been likened to Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong due to his probing passes and ball-carrying; two attributes that should see him fit in rather nicely under Guardiola.
Perrone inherits the number 32 shirt once worn by Argentine legend Carlos Tevez. He admits that the presence of a World Cup winner at the Etihad also played a part in his decision.
“I follow Julian (Alvarez) everywhere. He’s a top guy and he’s helping me with everything,” Perrone adds.
“(We have spoken) mostly about how things outside the pitch. Where to live, the weather, and those sorts of things. We haven’t spoken much about football.”
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