Former Juventus midfielder Enzo Maresca has spoken of why he made the move to Manchester City.

Now in charge of the U23s, Maresca admits a long time chat with City manager Pep Guardiola helped establish their relationship.

He told Gazzetta dello Sport: "I was offered a unique chance. The first meeting with Guardiola took place after Barcelona-Malaga and Pep talked to me about Brescia and (Carlo) Mazzone. Here, the relationship has consolidated, when I can follow his work closely.

"The Premier wears you out, but every day he goes on the pitch with an incredible charge. In England there are top structures and the presence of the best coaches in the world has created a multi-ethnic culture, there is a cultural difference with Italy: if you are ahead 2-0, try to score the third, in Italy the pace slows down. At City I enriched my knowledge."

Asked about Phil Foden, he added: "He has enormous qualities, talent and personality. And he was lucky enough to meet a teacher like Guardiola."