Kovacic stays put as City rebuild takes shape
Mateo Kovacic has ended speculation over his future by confirming he will remain at Manchester City this summer. The midfielder's decision follows direct conversations with new boss Enzo Maresca and the club's hierarchy, with the 32-year-old insisting he never sensed any doubt about his place in the squad.
Speaking to Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News, Kovacic was candid about the reassurance those talks provided. "I didn't feel question marks from them," he said. "I spoke with them, they count on me, which was important to hear from them."
"And now for the players it's always on you to show your best version, because if you're playing good, the manager will put you first."
The former Chelsea man arrived at the Etihad in the summer of 2023 and has since collected a Premier League title, the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup across three seasons. His contract runs until 2027, and he is now confirmed as part of the squad for the 2026-27 campaign.
At 32, with a Champions League, Premier League and two domestic cups already in the cabinet, Kovacic might have been forgiven for eyeing a fresh challenge. Instead, he appears settled, and the message from Maresca is clear: form decides selection, not reputation.