Mateo Kovacic insists Manchester City "count on me" despite summer transfer links to Juventus and Inter Milan. The 32-year-old Croatia international has entered the final year of his contract at Etihad Stadium and made only nine appearances last season due to Achilles and ankle injuries.

New manager Enzo Maresca gave an unconvincing response about Kovacic's future after Saturday's friendly against Inter, stating the midfielder remains a City player "until the day he is here." However, Kovacic says he felt no doubts from the club: "I spoke with them, it was that they count on me."

With Rodri sidelined after back surgery, Kovacic featured for 45 minutes against Inter and could deputise alongside Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, and record signing Elliot Anderson. The £116m arrival from Nottingham Forest is yet to join up after England's World Cup semi-final run. Kovacic praised Anderson's "quality" and "physicality," calling him a "great signing."

Kovacic noted the Premier League's heavy midfield spending, citing Moises Caicedo (£115m), Enzo Fernandez (£106m), and Declan Rice (£100m). "I think it is the best league and the best players are here," he added, highlighting Bruno Guimaraes at Newcastle and Aston Villa's options.