Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has explained why the club allowed Morgan Rogers to leave after his impressive display for Aston Villa on Saturday.
Rogers bagged a goal and an assist as Unai Emery's charges defeated the Premier League champions 2-0 at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.
Rogers joined City as a 17-year-old in 2019 but was unable to get game time in the first team before he joined Middlesbrough in 2023.
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In 2024, the attacking midfielder is now a key player for Emery but Guardiola admits the player had to compete with David Silva, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva.
"It was a team that won the treble. Sometimes it's the right time to give the [player] a chance," he told reporters.
"Of course, everyone knows how good is Morgan. In that age, at the moment, we have the players we have that allowed us to create the most successful eight years in football history.
"In our club, comparing in this 35 or 40 days it's not good. Sometimes when they arrive they are three years younger, in that moment there are players in their prime, David Silvas, Bernardos and Riyads [Mahrez] and Raheems [Sterling].
"Sometimes it's difficult and that's the only reason why. That situation right now, of course these types of players would be with us but it's always about the right moment.
"I'm happy for him as he's a lovely guy, he exploded last season and this season. He's an exceptional player."