Manchester City striker Stevan Jovetic has hit out at boss Manuel Pellegrini after he was axed from his Champions League squad, insisting the decision has ‘killed’ him.
The former Fiorentina forward has struggled to make an impact at Etihad stadium this season and was set for a January exit after the arrival of Wilfried Bony from Swansea City.
No deal was made though, despite a number of Italian sides showing interest but his time at the English club has come to a drastic end anyway, having been withdrawn from the 21-man Champions League squad.
City were restricted to just 21 players as a punishment for breaching Financial Fair Play regulations.
“I deserve to play in the Champions League. I know that,” Jovetic told the Sunday Mirror.
“The manager has killed me with this decision. I feel I deserve my place and other people have told me the same.
“People have told me I am a great player, but it is clear that the manager doesn’t think the same way.
“I am very disappointed, even now. I don’t think it was a good decision – or the right decision.
“I know that I deserve to be on the list. I told the manager this, but he didn’t want to listen to me. I came here to play in the Champions League.”