The big-spenders were set to pay the £ 128 million buy-out clause in the international goalie contract, and offered him £ 11 million per season.

The 27-year-old, however, turned the enticing offer down.

Last summer, the Premier League club captured Brazilian forward Robinho from the Spanish giants for a fee of £ 32.5 million.

City, who were taken over by Abu Dhabi United Group months ago, are tipped to run the rule over a multitude of high-profile players in the January transfer window.

After the acquisition, the Emirate corporation has pledged to turn team into real title contenders.

Confession

The Premiership side were once close to signing Brazilian ace Ronaldinho when he became a surplus at Barcelona, but eventually he preferred to join AC Milan.

All the same, the 28-year-old player Conceded that he was tempted by City's overtures.

"My brother spoke to Manchester City many times," he told Four Four Two magazine.

"Their project is the kind that would interest any player - they could soon be among the best sides in England.

"But Silvio Berlusconi [Milan owner] had been saying for years that he would like to sign me and I felt in the end that it was the right time to say yes."

The skillful playmaker believes that Mark Hughes' side are indeed a dream destination for many footballers.

"Lots of brilliant players are heading in their direction and yes, my brother looked properly at their offer," he added.