Italy under-20 international Raoul Bellanova has revealed that he was 'close' to joining Manchester City this summer.
The 19-year-old fought through the ranks at AC Milan to the edge of the first team and he was an unused substitute on three occasions, in games against Genoa, Udinese and Juventus.
Bellanova stared for Italy's U20s as the Azzuri finished fourth in this year's World Cup after being knocked out in the semi-finals by eventual winners Ukraine.
He decided to leave Milan this summer for Ligue 1 side Bordeaux in the hope of getting first team football sooner and he has admitted that he was close to City, although he believes he made the right decision.
"Absolutely not," he told Tutto Mercato when asked if he had any regrets about leaving the Rossoneri.
"Not signing a new contract with Milan was my choice because the club offered to renew my contract, but I wanted to go and have an experience amongst seniors to show myself and maybe come back one day through the front door."
"I was close to Manchester City, but I was also approached by Tottenham, Juventus, Sampdoria, Bologna and many other teams."
