Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez has revealed that the club turned down a bid from Manchester City on transfer deadline day.
Cash-rich City made a last-gasp move for the striker last week before they finally signed Brazilian forward Robinho.
Bayern Munich failed in a bid to sign Gomez earlier in the summer but the 23-year-old admits he hopes to play for one of Europe’s top clubs in the near future.
“After our game with Hannover [on 31st August], Manchester City made our general manager Horst Heldt an offer, but he turned it down,” Gomez told Bild.
“The offer from Manchester City will certainly not be the last one I receive.
“My aim is to play for a top club in Europe, somewhere like Italy, England or Spain.”
Gomez claims Stuttgart have no plans to sell him this season and admits he is happy to stay for now.
“I have a contract with VfB and the club has told me quite clearly that they will not let me leave this season. Not for any money in the world,” added Gomez.
“I don’t think Horst Heldt would allow me to leave in six months when he has blocked every offer immediately.
“I have no problem playing in Stuttgart. VfB is one of the best run clubs in Germany and I enjoy playing in Stuttgart. The whole environment is fantastic.
“If we can get a run going, then you never know what can happen.”
