Mangala: Valencia would have been a 'step back'

Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala has suggested that he refused a move to Valencia because it would have been a "step back".

The 24-year old joined City from Porto at the beginning of the 2014/15 season, but struggled to cement his place in the starting eleven, with competition from Martin Demichellis.

The current Premier League leaders completed the signing of £31.7 million centre-back Nicolas Otamendi from Valencia during the transfer window, with reports indicating that Mangala could possibly move the other way.

But the France international has dismissed any possible move to Nuno Espirito Santo's side, speaking of his determination to remain in the City first team.

"Joining Valencia would have been a step back for me," Mangala told Sky Sports.

"I still think I'm good enough to be a starter [for City]."