Veron turns down Manchester City approach

Daniella Matar,Pa
Wednesday 06 January 2010 13:55 GMT
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Argentina veteran Juan Sebastian Veron claims he has rejected the chance to return to the Barclays Premier League, turning down an offer from Manchester City.

Veron, now at Estudiantes, spent three seasons in England but failed to live up to expectations - first at Manchester United and then at Chelsea.

Speculation was rife that the 34-year-old was set to join one of his former club's bitter rivals.

New City boss Roberto Mancini was linked with a swoop for the midfielder, who he played alongside for Sampdoria and Lazio and went on to manage for two years at Inter Milan.

But Veron, who has always said he wanted to start and finish his career at the same club, insists he will see out his playing days at Estudiantes.

"I talked to Mancini, but it's not possible now," he told Argentinian radio station La Red. "It's not about money.

"First comes my family and second it's because I made a decision and I want to respect it.

"This is what I feel and this is the place in which I am comfortable.

"To accept it would be going against my convictions, against myself and against the people.

"I presented the offer to the club directors so they could analyse it. But on my part there wasn't a lot to think about. My response was instant."

Veron's agent also confirmed City's approach, claiming the cash-rich club had offered both Estudiantes and the player £7million apiece.

Miguel Pires told La Red: "Veron told us that Mancini called him and offered him £7million and the same to Estudiantes, for a one-year contract, which would then be repeated in both cases if he continued for 2011 as well at Manchester City."

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