• Premier League

Jovetic: City wanted me the most

ESPN staff
July 20, 2013
Stevan Jovetic signed from Fiorentina for £23m © PA Photos
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Stevan Jovetic has revealed he joined Manchester City because they mounted a year-long campaign to entice him to the Etihad Stadium.

Jovetic, 23, completed a €23 million move from Fiorentina on Friday to become Manuel Pellegrini's fourth signing - but he said that he was also a target for former manager Roberto Mancini last summer.

The Montenegro international was also pursued by Arsenal and Juventus but said he opted for City because they showed the most determination in their attempts to recruit him.

He told the club's official website: "It was a long time they wanted me, last year also, and I stayed with Fiorentina. They wanted me more than everyone and I decided to come here. They are fighting for the Premier League and also for the Champions League and this is the reason I came here."

The former Partizan Belgrade player struck 13 times for Fiorentina last season and has set himself a higher goal target at City. "I hope [for] about 15-20 in all competitions," he added.

Jovetic hopes his versatility will help him get in Pellegrini's team, explaining: "I have played in a lot of systems. I can play as a striker, behind the striker or on the left."

His former Fiorentina team-mate Matija Nastasic joined City in August 2012 and Jovetic said the defender did his utmost to persuade him to make the same switch.

He said: "He sent me messages every week telling me to come. Now I am here and look forward to playing with him every week."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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