Brazil international Douglas Costa has claimed that out-going Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola will not be able to sign any of his current players with his new club.
The former Barcelona player and manager is barred from signing any Bayern players due to a clause in his contract said Costa to Globo Esporte.
“Would I be open to City if Pep called? It’s something he has in his contract, a clause that says he cannot sign any players from Bayern.
“I am in a situation where I could stay at Bayern for a long time. The club’s philosophy is to keep players at Bayern for a long time. I am happy at the prospect of enjoying a long career here.
“I have made a big step forward since leaving Shakhtar for Bayern. I did not expect to become so important right away. This has been the best year of my career.”
Costa arrived at the Allianz Areana last summer for a fee of £23 million from Shakhtar Donetsk.
Costa was signed to ease the work-load of Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben.
“You cannot compare Pep to any Brazilian coach. If you put all Brazilian coaches together, you would get Pep. One has motivational skills, another is tactically strong. But Pep has it all.
“Pep has the magic touch. He breathes football. He still played himself quite recently. Pep always keeps inventing new things. He is magic. I hope he can win the Champions League with City.”
Guardiola has already made his first signing for the Manchester based club with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan set to join on July 1.