Aleksandar Kolarov admits he came close to leaving Manchester City last year.
The Serbia international was linked with a move to Italy after failing to hold down a regular place during the 2012-13 campaign.
Kolarov told City TV: "Last season I was thinking, because I didn't play a lot, it was maybe a good thing for me to move.
"I had a couple of opportunities but I refused everything because I didn't want to go from here, (having not) shown the people what I can do.
"Now this season I have had this opportunity and shown what I can do.
"For me it is like a victory, personally, for myself.
"If you play regularly you can improve a lot every game."
