Man City say they 'count on me' - Kovacic

[BBC] [Getty Images] Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic says the club "count on me" despite being linked with a move away this summer. Reports suggest Serie A sides Juventus and former club Inter Milan are interested in taking the Croatia international back to Italy. The 32-year-old has entered the final year of his contract at Etihad Stadium and is yet to be offered a new deal. Kovacic played only nine times for City last season, having missed the majority of the campaign because of Achilles and ankle injuries. New boss Enzo Maresca sounded unconvincing when asked about Kovacic's future after Saturday's friendly against Inter, saying: "Mateo is our player, until the day he is here I will try all my best. "It is my duty to try to help players give their best. If he is here I am happy and we will continue to work with him." But the player himself is in no doubt, saying: "I didn't feel the question marks from them. I spoke with them, it was that they count on me, which was important for me to hear that from them. "And now, like I said, for the players it's always on you to show your best version, because if you are playing good, the manager will put you first." Read more from Kovacic