This is Josko Gvardiol’s second season with Manchester City.
The defender from RB Leipzig was acquired by City for £77 million during the summer transfer window of 2023.
During his first season at the Etihad Stadium, the Croatian played in 42 games in all competitions, contributing three assists and five goals.
With 28 Premier League appearances under his belt, the defender was instrumental in Pep Guardiola’s club being the first to win four straight league titles.
As a result, Gvardiol was named the 2023–2024 Premier League’s best acquisition by Peter Schmeichel.
The 22-year-old, who is currently in the middle of his second season with the Blues, has revealed some information about the two members of the City team with whom he is very close.
Two Man City best friends are named by Josko Gvardiol.
In an interview that was posted on the official Man City website, Gvardiol talked candidly about the closeness of the City team and the players he is closest to.
“I do have that feeling [of a City family],” he remarked. I live alone, but we spend a lot of time together. I need this set of people at my side, and they help me grow as a person every day.
Additionally, there is Kova, who is one of my closest friends. We’re quite close.
“He’s a really nice guy, and I’m glad I can share a dressing room with him here in Manchester as well as the national team,” I’ve stated numerous times. He spent a lot of time with me and helped me a lot in the beginning.
Also, Matheus [Nunes]. I must mention Matheus because he is a humorous and genuinely decent man. I enjoy spending time with him a lot.
Kovacic encouraged Gvardiol to improve at City even more.
Kovacic recently backed Gvardiol to develop as a player at City after the two of them played together for a full season at the Manchester club.
“There is no better club than City, so I think Josko will be great, already is for this club and our national team,” he added. “Josko is a great player, great character, a guy that wants to improve.”
The defender may perhaps be especially close to Gvardiol and Kovacic because Nunes joined the Blues during the same transfer window as them.
Guardiola said that he hasn’t been given Nunes the playing time he deserves after witnessing the Portuguese international score a goal and provide two assists in City’s 5-0 Champions League victory over Sparta Prague.
From a broader perspective, supporters of City should find it reassuring to learn that Gvardiol believes the team has a strong bond, which is likely a major factor in the team’s recent success.