Barcelona wonderkid's father reveals why he rejected Manchester City

Pep Guardiola’s side almost sealed a deal to sign the promising Moriba from Barcelona two years ago before his family stepped in.

Ilaix Moriba’s father revealed he canceled a flight for England in 2019 to stop his son from joining Manchester City so the youngster could inspire the next generation of Barcelona players.

Big things are expected of the 18-year-old. He made his senior debut at the start of the year and scored his first goal in a 2-0 win Osasuna on March 6, having provided an assist in each of his previous two league games.

I will remember this goal for the rest of my life! Great win! Let’s keep going! @FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/dj865VvruP

— Ilaix Moriba (@IlaixMK) March 6, 2021

Moriba is clearly an exciting young midfield talent, and it’s no surprise many clubs wanted him. In fact, he could’ve been lining up for Barcelona icon Pep Guardiola at Manchester City instead had his father, Mamady Kourouma, not intervened.

“With Barca, the negotiations [over his first professional contract] did not advance,” Kourouma told Diario Sport.

“We met with Txiki Begiristain [Manchester City sporting director] and he explained his entire project to us.

“We liked it because they bet a lot on him. A few weeks later we had the tickets to travel to Manchester and sign the contract.

“I canceled it the morning that we had to go there. I wanted Ilaix to be an example and a reference for the next generations of Barca.

“His friends were gone. If he stayed, it was proof that Barca was betting on the youth players. We managed to reach an agreement where we all came out winning.”