Champions League highest rated player rejects City link

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago has rejected speculation suggesting he will follow Pep Guardiola to Manchester City at the end of the season.

Guardiola brought Thiago from Barcelona to Bayern in 2013 and it had been suggested the new City boss would also attempt to take the Spaniard with him to the Premier League when he replaces Manuel Pellegrini at the end of the season.

However, the 24-year-old has refuted those claims and insists he intends to honour the remaining three years of his Bayern contract.

“There are always a lot of rumours. It’s a fact that Guardiola is joining Manchester City and we have to respect that. But there is no truth in the rumours saying I will follow him," Thiago told Bild.

“I would not have signed a new contract had I wanted to leave the club. I extended my contract for a reason.

“I am loving life here in Munich. I am enjoying the city and life here in general.”

Thiago is currently the highest rated player in the Champions League (9.07 rating), having registered the joint-most assists (4) in just four games.

For more stats on Thiago, click here to visit his WhoScored player page