Club academy graduate is not worried about limited game time as it’s up to him to work hard and earn his place
Rico Lewis has said Manchester City is his dream club and he can’t imagine playing anywhere else, after reports linked the youngster with a move to Nottingham Forest.
The 20-year-old right-back started in City’s 4-0 win over Wolves on Saturday, registering an assist for Erling Haaland in what was his 95th senior appearance.
His involvement came a day after suggestions Forest were monitoring his situation, having already signed fellow City academy graduate James McAtee in a £30m deal last week.
Speaking after the game against Wolves, Lewis made it clear he wanted to remain at City.
“For me, I’ve never ever seen myself at a different club,” said Lewis. “I’ve always wanted to play for City. It’s my dream club, and like you see today, when I’m playing with the kind of players that I’m playing with, it brings out the best in me, so I’m so happy.”
Lewis has been in and out of Pep Guardiola’s starting XI since breaking through in 2022, featuring in 21 league matches last season. His versatility has been praised by Guardiola but competition for minutes remains intense in a squad the manager has described as bloated and needing trimming.
However, Lewis isn’t letting the prospect of limited game time change his mind about staying at City.
“Everyone wants assurance and security, but at the end of the day, it’s on me,” said Lewis. “It’s on me to perform. It’s on me to take the chances when I do.
“If I take my own chances, I do it. If I don’t, then I have to work and get better.”
