Football
Ian Holyman, France correspondent 7y

Benjamin Mendy: I can become world's best left-back at Manchester City

Benjamin Mendy believes he can become the best left-back in the world after joining Manchester City.

Mendy, 23, joined City from French champions Monaco this summer on a five-year contract for a reported £52 million to make him the world's most expensive defender.

The France international, who has four senior caps to his name after his impressive campaign at Monaco last season, has also shone on his four Premier League appearances for City so far.

Mendy told Telefoot he now aims to be recognised as the best player in the world in his position, overhauling fellow left-backs such as Real Madrid's Marcelo and Bayern Munich's David Alaba.

"No, it's not completely mad," he said when asked if it was far-fetched that he could become the world's best left-back. "Why not? There's a long way to go, but by working, everything is possible."

Mendy, who came to the fore in France during Marcelo Bielsa's 2014-15 reign at Marseille, said City boss Pep Guardiola had been "a big influence" on his decision to spurn other suitors in favour of a switch to the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola was not, however, able to convince Mendy's compatriot Kylian Mbappe to join his former teammate at City, with the forward opting to leave Monaco for Paris Saint-Germain instead.

"It was a personal decision. For me, the main thing is that he feels good," Mendy said. "I asked him the question, he feels good, it's great for him."

Mendy's focus will be on helping City beat clubs including PSG to win the Champions League this season, as well as seeing off domestic rivals such as neighbours United to claim the Premier League title.

"To win two or three trophies this season with City," Mendy answered when asked about his 2017-18 ambitions. "There is a very big project here, one of the biggest in Europe. We're going to continue writing the history of this club."

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