Monaco striker Stevan Jovetic has revealed that he rejected Real Madrid and Juventus before sealing a transfer to Manchester City from Fiorentina in 2013.
The former City ace claims that his career trajectory could have been quite different if he'd accepted an offer from either Juve or Madrid before undertaking a new challenge in the Premier League.
"My time in Florence was unique, it's a splendid city with passionate people," Jovetic told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I went to Manchester City in 2013, out of ambition. I wanted to join Juventus but I could never betray my [Fiorentina] fans. At the same time, however, I wanted to win the Premier League, the most difficult championship of all, and I also won the League Cup - unforgettable memories.
"The mistake was to reject Real Madrid in 2009, I wasn't ready. If could go back..."
The Montenegro international is contracted to remain at Stade Louis II for two more years, but he refuses to rule out a return to Italy at some point in the near future.
He added: "The contract with Monaco is valid until 2021, I have a deep respect for the club. I will always give 100 per cent, and then [in the future] who knows... Italy is my second home, one day I would be happy to come back."