Lyon Star Tanguy Ndombele Says It Was 'Right Decision' to Reject Manchester City

Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele has said he was right to turn down interest from Manchester City last summer but suggested he could be open to a move in future. 

Ndombele was linked with a €50 million move to the Etihad Stadium following his superb first season at Lyon but told Canal Football Club (h/t Dan O'Toole of the Manchester Evening News) he feels vindicated in his decision to remain in Ligue 1.

He said: "I could have left but the club were resolute, they didn't want me to leave. I didn't feel inclined to leave. Now I think it was the right decision for me. I play a lot of games, and I've been called up to the national team."

The youngster added that he has no special ambition to play for Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain but did leave the door open to a move:

"I didn't dream about playing for them [PSG] when I was young.

"And it's the same with Real Madrid, Barcelona, City and Bayern Munich. I never dreamed about playing for those clubs.

"They're big clubs, I'm not closing the door on anyone. [PSG] remain one of the biggest clubs in France, and I'm from the Parisian suburbs."

It wasn't a surprise to see Lyon take up their option to sign Ndombele permanently from Amiens after he had such an impressive 2017-18 campaign on loan at the Groupama Stadium.

City manager Pep Guardiola has had two chances to get acquainted with the France international this season, with Lyon taking four points of of six against the English titans in the UEFA Champions League.

Lyon's stars have gained some respect in Europe as a result, and RMC Sport writer Sebastien C recently joked he wouldn't be the only member of their squad on Guardiola's radar:

City invested heavily in AS Monaco duo Bernardo Silva and Benjamin Mendy after they impressed for the Ligue 1 club, and Guardiola may look to Ligue 1 again if City revive interest in Ndombele.

The player is well thought of in his national team setup, too, and writer Jeremy Smith recently provided quotes from France coach Didier Deschamps, who mentioned Ndombele prominently in his pecking order:

The Citizens boast one of the best midfields in Europe, but the ageing figures of Fernandinho, 33, and David Silva, 32, will need replacing in the years to come.

It wouldn't be fair to call Ndombele a defensive midfielder, and Tifo Football dissected his style of play and what he could bring earlier this year:

Fernandinho will be a critical figure to replace, too, and former City striker Alvaro Negredo recently lauded the skills of the Brazil international, per Goal:

Alleged admirers City will take comfort in knowing PSG won't have any particular advantage in recruiting the Frenchman, who appears content gaining consistent minutes at Lyon for the time being.