The 34-year-old told Italy's Corriere Dello Sport that he had turned down the chance to join City after a bid of £7m was lodged with his club, Estudiantes. "I did it for my family," said Verón. "But also because I chose to continue my career here at Estudiantes and I want to respect this contract."
The player's agent, Miguel Pires, had earlier confirmed in a Daily Star report that City had made an inquiry and followed up the approach with an offer. "I was very surprised with this position," he said. "Mancini has called the player and me as well. But I said sincerely that Verón is very happy and grateful at being back at Estudiantes and it is very complicated to leave at this moment."
This is a strange one. Obviously Mancini knows Verón better than almost anyone else in football - and if he thinks he could do a good job for us then to some extent we have to defer to him. But Verón has flopped twice in England already - when he was at his peak as a footballer. The idea that he could come back for one last shot - a few weeks before his 35th birthday - sounds like a bit of a long shot to me.
But, combined with the Patrick Vieira transfer rumours, it suggests that Mancini might perceive a lack of experience, a lack of nous perhaps, in our central midfield options. Gareth Barry could fulfill those two criteria but he is, from a standpoint of a former Serie A manager, the wrong side of thirty. And, much as I rate him, he is open to accusations of failing to provide much leadership in the midfield, particularly when things are going against us. Classy, certainly. But brave? Not always.
At least, that's what I hope Mancini's looking for. Rather that than trying to buy the best midfielders from FIFA 2000. Because I reckon we could tempt Gaizka Mendieta out of retirement too if we wanted.
