Manchester City have announced their squad for the Club World Cup, and it features some notable omissions.
Jack Grealish is the most high-profile absence, and it’s not entirely unexpected considering his uncertain future at Manchester City.
Mateo Kovacic is absent through injury, while James McAtee also won’t feature as he will be captaining England’s Under-21s at the Euros this summer.
McAtee has now revealed that the decision over club or country was down to him, and he shared how Pep Guardiola reacted when he let the manager know.
James McAtee says Pep Guardiola told him to ‘have fun’ and ‘try and win the tournament’
McAtee, speaking to reporters ahead of England U21s’ opening game against Slovakia, said Guardiola gave him his blessing and wished him well at the tournament.
“I don’t know if he knew I was going to be captain at all,” McAtee said, as per The Sun.
“But yeah, he was just saying ‘go and enjoy yourself, go and have fun and try and win the tournament’.
“We just had a discussion and it was as easy as that. A quick discussion and then I was on my way here.
“I didn’t know if it was going to happen, but I’m happy to be here, happy to be with the lads and looking forward to the tournament.”
McAtee also said he was looking forward to taking part in his first international tournament.
“It was a chance for me to go and play,” he continued.
“I’ve been happy with my minutes that I’ve got this year, but I think here I can play more of a part than I would have at the Club World Cup.
“It’s more of an experience and this is my first international tournament, so it’ll be good to get out there.”
Who could sign James McAtee this summer
McAtee has been linked with a move away from Man City for some time now, and his decision to represent England U21s instead of the club may well accelerate this.
Bayer Leverkusen and Erik ten Hag were previously linked with McAtee, though they are said to have cooled their interest.
McAtee is believed to be keen on a move to the Bundesliga this summer with Eintracht Frankfurt, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart in the race for the Premier League man.
