Vincent Kompany turned down an opportunity to return to Man City as Pep Guardiola's no.2.
The former City captain only left the club at the end of last season to take up a player-manager role at Anderlecht.
He was offered the chance of a swift comeback as Guardiola searched for a new assistant manager to replace Mikel Arteta, who left in December.
But Kompany rejected Guardiola's offer despite holding talks over the vacant post.
The Sun report Kompany's main concern was that he still wants to play football - something he did not feel he would be able to do in the role at City.
Instead the Belgian defender has reaffirmed his commitment to Anderlecht.
He still has over two years to run on his contract with his boyhood club, and remains hopeful he can stay on beyond that time.
Kompany has also invested some of his own money as part of the recent takeover bid.
His appointment as manager was seen as a long-term project to help push Anderlecht back to the top of the Belgian league, though this season he has endured a difficult start.
Anderlecht are currently mid-table in eighth having won 13 of their matches this season, drawing 10 and losing eight times.
The club were fined earlier in the campaign for handing Kompany the managers job when he does not have the required UEFA Pro licence.
The 34-year-old was forced to officially hand over first-team managerial duties to Frank Vercauteren, though it is still thought things like team selection and tactics are primarily decided on by Kompany.
He has still been playing regularly too, and believes he can carry on for a few seasons to come, as he keeps one eye on making Belgium's World Cup squad in 2022.
Meanwhile Guardiola's search for a new assistant continues, with former Liverpool and Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso rumoured to be lined up as Arteta's replacement.
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