Pellegrini was speaking at the pre-game media briefing before Watford’s visit to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Asked about Lopes, a 20-year-old Portugal Under-21 international who joined City from Benfica in 2011 and became the club’s youngest ever goalscorer at the age of 17 in January 2013, Pellegrini said: “Marcos is still a player here for Manchester City. We will see his future in the next hours. I think Marcos needs to play more in another club. He is a very good player. I am sure in the future he will be part of our club but for this year he must continue trying to play as much football as he can. Here he has a lot of competition with David and Samir so it is better for him to go on loan.”
The Chilean was pressed to confirm any move would be merely a loan. He said: “Yes, just for this season.” But less than an hour after the press conference ended, mcfc.com announced: “Marcos Lopes has joined AS Monaco on a permanent deal.” The fee is believed to be in the region of £9m.
Pellegrini’s comments may call into question how abreast he is of player matters below the first team despite the club’s £200m investment in the bespoke City Football Academy.
Having arrived at Monaco, Lopes tweeted: “Want to thank everyone that worked with me in @MCFC since day 1 and a special word for Patrick Vieira: a great manager and coach & TOP MAN!
“Thank you @AS_Monaco for the wonderful welcome and for believing in me! I’m honoured and eager to work hard!!”
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