Aymeric Laporte expressed his happiness at Manchester City when a potential move to Real Madrid or Barcelona was put to him.
The Frenchman has enhanced his reputation since his 2018 switch from Athletic Bilbao, with Pep Guardiola declaring him the best left-sided central defender in the game.
His value has increased even more in his absence this season, with his absence through injury since August a key component in City's failing attempt to defend the Premier League title.
City's bombshell ban from the Champions League for two years has put the club in an uncomfortable and unusual position.
The message has been reiterated to the players that they expect the decision to be overturned on appeal - the Court of Arbitration for Sport will hear the case but it has not yet been listed - yet for the first time in years City face the possibility of other clubs tempting their top talent away.
Laporte would be on the top of many a wishlist for anyone looking to sign a central defender.
However, when asked about links with Real Madrid and Barcelona he told El Chiringuito, via The Times : “I am very happy here at Manchester City. I am enjoying my football here.
"We are doing great things here. In the last two years we have won eight trophies.”
City have also had reassurances from other stars. Kevin De Bruyne's agent skipped the Champions League win over Real Madrid to avoid generating speculation about a move for the playmaker, while Raheem Sterling's agent came out soon after the ban was announced signalling the forward's intention to stay.
