Stevan Jovetic, the former Manchester City striker, has revealed that he once turned down a transfer to Real Madrid during his time at Fiorentina, admitting he simply didn't feel ready for that monumental leap.
Now 36 years old, the Montenegrin is currently plying his trade with Cypriot side AEL Limassol. Reflecting on his career, he noted that the decision to reject the Spanish giants still lingers in his mind.
Jovetic made his mark at Fiorentina, netting 40 goals and providing 21 assists in 135 appearances for the Italian club. His standout performances caught the eye of Manchester City, who brought him to England in 2013 for a fee of €26 million. During his time in the Premier League, he scored 11 goals in 44 matches before heading out on loan in 2015.
However, interest from Real Madrid came long before his move to City.
“It might have been a footballing decision. In my second year in Florence, I received a call from Real Madrid, but at that moment I didn't feel ready for the transfer. I had started playing regularly, I was happy and settled, so I told myself I would play here for another year or two, then I would leave. In the end, I never joined Real, but I played nearly 150 matches for the Viola, as well as stints at Manchester City, Inter, Monaco, and Sevilla... I've certainly travelled the globe quite a bit.”
