Jeremy Doku has opened up about the move that took him to Manchester City in the summer of 2023, revealing that a direct conversation with manager Pep Guardiola was the decisive factor in his decision to sign.

Speaking to FourFourTwo, the Belgian winger described how little persuasion was needed once Guardiola himself picked up the phone. "I spoke with Pep Guardiola, and obviously you don't need a lot of convincing to go to Manchester City," Doku said. "He showed his interest in me, which made me comfortable signing."

The personal touch from one of football's most celebrated managers clearly carried weight. For Doku, knowing that Guardiola had identified him specifically — and taken the time to communicate that directly — removed any lingering doubt about making the switch to the Etihad.

Doku had been one of the standout attackers in European football before his move, and his arrival at Manchester City was widely seen as a statement of intent from the club. The Belgian international brought electric pace and directness to a squad already brimming with creative talent.

The transfer underlined Manchester City's ability to attract top young talent, with Guardiola's involvement in recruitment conversations proving a powerful draw. Few players, it seems, find it easy to decline when the manager calls personally.