LONDON (UK) – Pep Guardiola of Manchester City said he hopes to be able to convince defender Eric Garcia to extend his stay in the club after giving the 19-year-old a rare start in the Champions League 3-1 victory over Porto on Wednesday.
Spaniard Garcia is in the final year of his contract with City and there were talks of a switch back to his boyhood club Barcelona. However, Guardiola wants to retain him.
“I know he wanted to leave but he’s going to stay and maybe we can seduce him in this year to extend the contract with us,” Guardiola told media persons.
“He’s a guy who is so stable in many things and we’re so happy.”
City’s centre back Aymeric Laporte is all prepared to begin training on Thursday after an injury. Fellow defender Nathan Ake is dealing with a groin issue.
City will play West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday before they leave for Marseille in the Champions League and Guardiola wants all players to be in the squad.
“The schedule is so demanding. We need all the players,” he added.
