Pep Guardiola has reacted for the first time to Leroy Sane’s transfer to Bayern Munich, insisting he was powerless to keep the winger at Manchester City.
Sane is set to complete a £45million move after rejecting repeated efforts to tie him down to a long-term deal at the Etihad.
Guardiola is adamant City did all they could to convince the 24-year-old to stay before eventually accepting he was determined to join Bayern.
“He wants to leave,” said the Catalan. “Everyone has his own life. I would love him to stay here, but he believes he will be happier.
“We wish him all the best. We give him a big, big thanks for all the years and wish him all the best for his journey at a fantastic club like Bayern Munich.”
Sane is still to complete his move, but will leave City immediately, rather than see out the campaign.
The deal also includes £10million in add-ons with City inserting a 10 per cent sell-on clause.
Despite demanding around £140million last summer, City accepted they could not stick to that valuation post coronavirus, while Sane has also entered the final year of his contract.
The Germany international has agreed a deal worth £20million-a-year, which is double what was on offer at the Etihad.
Guardiola still plans to prioritise defence when the transfer window opens, despite David Silva being to set to walk away as a free agent and Sergio Aguero entering the final year of his deal.
