PSV Eindhoven chief Marcel Brands admits they're fortunate to have re-signed Karim Rekik.
The young Dutchman has joined PSV for another season-long loan.
Brands revealed: "At 19, City really wanted him to go elsewhere. But talks with AC Milan and Olympique Marseille stalled.
"It is due to the tenacity of Rekik that he is back with us again."
He added: "The Eredivisie, despite its limitations, has long proven to be an excellent school."
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