Manchester City Star Reveals Gruelling Barcelona Fitness Regime Under Luis Enrique

Manchester City's summer signing Nolito has revealed the strict diet his former coach Luis Enrique enforced when he was at Barcelona B and Celta Vigo.

The Spanish winger credited Enrique with his progression after forcing him to give up indulgences such as cake and Coke.

Speaking to theGuardian, Nolito said:"Luis Enrique appeared at a moment in my career where it was either take a step forward or a step back.

Nolito: ˜I'd train, then eat. The cakes and the Coke. Then you realise: it's no good.' By @sidlowe https://t.co/7vliADXUo2

"I was at Barcelona B with him, then Celta. He bet very, very heavily on me and supported me. He made me see football differently, convincing me I could really make it.

"I [had] always played carrying extra kilos. He made me see that it was fundamental to lose weight, 10 kilos, to make the breakthrough.

"He was pesado [insistent], for my own good. It was hard, but there's been a massive change. Brutal.

"He was on at me every day; he's been fundamental for my career. The cakes, the bread, the Coke: it's all good but for my profession it was s***.

"I'd train then eat: train, eat, train, eat. I was a fish biting its own tail. Eventually, you realise an elite player has to be fino [slim]."

Despite interest from his former manager at Barcelona, Nolito opted to join City where he believes he can win trophies towards the end of his career.

"It was close with Barcelona but in the end I chose City," he added.

"The last three years at Celta have been the best of my life but it was time to go, the right moment. I'd like to win something before my career is over and I think I can at City."