Manchester City defensive midfield transfer target reveals studying videos of Rodri after being left ‘very pleased’ by reports | OneFootball

Torino and Italy international Samuele Ricci has admitted that he feels ‘very pleased’ by reports linking him with a potential move to Manchester City in the coming months.

Manchester City have been tied to reports linking them with transfer interest in the player since Rodri was ruled out of action for the remainder of the season, having sustained a serious knee injury involving his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus.

Despite initial optimism, it was later confirmed by both manager Pep Guardiola and a statement from the club that the Spanish international had sustained “the worst [outcome]”, and that Manchester City would be forced to seek other alternatives.

For now, that has led to Guardiola offering increased opportunities at the base of his midfield to the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic over the last few matches, whilst there have been simultaneous links to new names being brought in, including Samuele Ricci of Torino.

Speaking during a conversation relayed by RAI Sport this week, as translated by Sport Witness, Ricci has stated that he is ‘very pleased’ by recent reports linking him with transfer interest from both Manchester City and AC Milan.

“It is very pleasing of course, but I have learned to understand football a bit now,” the 23-year-old responded. “When things go well, you are linked with these big clubs and it is gratifying because it means you are on the right track.”

Interestingly, when discussing his ongoing education and development in the game, Ricci revealed that the studying of videos is playing a big role in his growth as a midfielder, and pointed towards Manchester City’s Rodri as a key role model.

“I’ve done a lot of training on turning my head to check what’s behind me, as it can make the difference,” the Italian said. “Sometimes you need to look more than twice, (Luciano) Spalletti taught me that too.

“My coach sends me videos to study, many of them are of (Manchester City midfielder) Rodri. You can see the importance of the little things. I still have to improve on so many little things, like my positioning.

“(Torino coach, Paolo) Vanoli sends me so many videos. Toro fans deserve more, as it is a club with immense history and so quite rightly their supporters are demanding.”

First reports linking Manchester City with interest in Samuele Ricci emerged at the end of September, when English media had suggested that the player was ‘high’ on the Etihad Stadium’s list if they decided to make a move in the upcoming January transfer window.

There have been no further developments in the wider media since that point with regards to Manchester City’s supposed interest in the player.