Pep Guardiola explains why Man City sold Morgan Rogers as he calls him 'a really top-class player'

Pep Guardiola has delivered a fascinating insight into Manchester City's decision to let Morgan Rogers leave the club.

Rogers, who has been one of Aston Villa's standout performers this season, was at his scintillating best on Saturday afternoon as Unai Emery's side secured all three points with a 2-1 win over struggling City.

The 22-year-old England international not only netted his fifth goal of the season but played a crucial role in Villa's opener, passing to the in-form Jhon Duran to slot home from close range.

It has been a whirlwind 18 months for Rogers. Following loan spells at Lincoln City, Bournemouth and Blackpool, he joined Championship side Middlesbrough on a permanent deal in July 2023 for just £1.5 million.

Six months later, he joined Aston Villa for a fee of around £8 million plus add-ons and the rest is history.

But once upon a time, the highly-rated midfielder was on the books of Manchester City, who sold Rodgers to Middlesbrough for a relatively small fee all things considered.

Speaking in his post-match press conference on Saturday, Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the 22-year-old but also defended the call to let him leave.

"Do you know what happened with some players? It was a team that won the treble and the quadruple. Sometimes it’s the right tempo, the right time to give the chance," Guardiola told reporters.

"Of course, everyone knows how good Morgan is. A lot of players went on loan or have been sold.

"But he was in that age, that moment, we had the players that we had that allowed us to create the most successful years in the history of our club.

"In that moment, sometimes when they arrive they are two, three years younger and at that moment there is Kevin in his prime, David Silva, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling and sometimes it’s difficult. That’s the only reason why."

Rogers spent four years at Manchester City but failed to make a first-team appearance for the club. Image credit: X/@morgz_10

The Spaniard added: "In the situation we are in right now, of course these kinds of players would be with us. This is obvious.

"I’m happy for him because he’s a lovely guy. He exploded last season and this season he’s a really, really top-class player. England have another exceptional player."

Thoughts on Manchester City's decision to let Rogers leave last summer? Let us know in the comments.