Manchester City star reveals why he snubbed Pep Guardiola for England duties | OneFootball

James McAtee has revealed how he conveyed his preference of the U-21 European Championship over the FIFA Club World Cup to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

McAtee has been named England U-21 captain by manager Lee Carsley and has decided to represent the young Three Lions over travelling with his boyhood club to the United States for the FIFA Club World Cup.

The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a permanent move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer as he enters the final 12 months of his current deal, having played a bit-role in the Manchester City first-team in the recent campaign.

Only making his full Premier League debut in a 5-2 thrashing of Crystal Palace in April, a transfer away from Manchester City for regular first-team football and career progression is believed to be McAtee’s top priority as he approaches a crossroads moment in his career.

Guardiola went on to give McAtee his fair share of minutes in the closing months of the season and wanted to take the Englishman to the United States for the Club World Cup, but McAtee has decided to represent his nation and join forces with Carsley in Slovakia.

Speaking ahead of England’s U-21 European Championship opener against the Czech Republic, the attacking midfielder has lifted the lid on how he broke the news to Guardiola, who is highly likely to witness McAtee leave Manchester City when the transfer window reopens next month.

McAtee said, as quoted by Sun Sport: “I don’t know if he (Guardiola) knew I was going to be captain at all, but yeah, he was just saying, ‘Go and enjoy yourself and go and have fun and try and win the tournament’.

“We just had a discussion and it was as easy as that. A quick discussion and then I was on my way here. I didn’t know if it was going to happen, but I’m happy to be here, happy to be with the lads and looking forward to the tournament.

“It was a chance for me to go and play. I’ve been happy with my minutes that I’ve got this year (at Manchester City), but I think here I can play more of a part than I would have at the Club World Cup.

“It’s more of an experience and this is my first international tournament, so it’ll be good to get out there.” On when he knew he would be named England U-21 captain, McAtee added: “Lee (Carsley) pulled me to the side, I think it was last week during training, and told me.

“I was obviously over the moon, he (Carsley) told me to keep it quiet for a bit, but I told my mum and dad straight away.  It’s a great honour and I can’t thank Lee enough for it. I’d definitely remember it forever if we go and win it.

“There’s obviously special players here, look at our team. We’ve got a great squad. We’re all looking forward to it and we believe we can win it.”