Leroy Sane says he's at Manchester City because of Pep Guardiola as winger admits he 'dreams' of winning the Ballon d'Or

  • Leroy Sane joined Manchester City from Schalke for £37million last summer
  • The German says Pep Guardiola was the key reason behind his decision to join
  • The winger also has his sights set on winning the Ballon d'Or one day 

Manchester City winger Leroy Sane has heaped praise on manager Pep Guardiola, describing the Spaniard as the key reason he is at the club.

Sane became one of Guardiola's first signings when he moved to the Etihad from Schalke last summer for a fee of £37million.

The 21-year-old has quickly become a big hit at the club, establishing himself as a key member of the starting XI with 17 goals in 52 appearances so far.

Manchester City winger Leroy Sane has heaped praise on manager Pep Guardiola

Manchester City winger Leroy Sane has heaped praise on manager Pep Guardiola

Sane says the Spaniard was a key factor in his choice to join the Premier League club

Sane says the Spaniard was a key factor in his choice to join the Premier League club

And the German has revealed former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola was a key factor in his decision to make the switch. 


'I'm here because he's here,' Sane told France Football. 'I came in large part for him, because what he did in Bayern and Barca is incredible. 

'He brought his players to another level. They have been transformed, all this while winning many trophies. 

'When I spoke to young players who worked with him, they all told me that he was a great coach, that we learned a lot with him. He likes to make his players progress, by making them work hard. '

The 21-year-old has established himself as a key member of Guardiola's starting XI

The 21-year-old has established himself as a key member of Guardiola's starting XI

And Sane, who has built a reputation as one of Europe's finest young players, has got big aspirations when it comes to his future under Guardiola.  

'Of course it's a dream to win the Golden Ball!' he said. 'But it's impossible for me to project myself and say that I want to win it in three or five years, that would not make sense. 

'If I said that, you could laugh and say that there are a lot of bright players in front of me, and that's true. It is extremely difficult to win such a trophy, there are so many young players who will have the same goal in the coming years. ' 

Sane has built a reputation as one of the finest young talents in European football

Sane has built a reputation as one of the finest young talents in European football