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New Manchester City star Nolito is enjoying being kicked to pieces by Premier League defences!

The Blues winger has made an impact at City with his clever wide play, although he has also shown a temperamental side to his character.

The Spain international was sent off for a head-butt in the 4-0 win over Bournemouth, and was lucky to escape another with a similar offence against West Brom a fortnight ago.

So perhaps it is no surprise that, in an interview with Spanish radio network Cadena Ser, he said the more lenient refereeing was one of the things he likes about the Premier League.

“It's a difficult league, one of the best along with La Liga,” said the man who signed from Celta Vigo for a bargain £13.8m in the summer.

“It's very strong and any rival can beat you.

“It's different to La Liga because the referees let you play much more as not many fouls are called.

“I love the fact that the stadiums are always packed - that is fantastic.”

Nolito was also being chased by Barcelona, his first major club, but he rejected their overtures and plumped for City instead – partly as he thought it would be easier to get into the team, and partly because he wanted to work with Pep Guardiola again.

And he says he does not regret that decision.

“It's always difficult to get it right,” he said. “But I'm very happy at City, thrilled with the decision I took and I believe I made the right choice.

“Things are going well. I hope I can experience many great moments at City. We hope that we can celebrate at the end of the season by lifting a title.”

Nolito joined the Barcelona B team in the summer when Guardiola was promoted to become coach of the first team at the Nou Camp.

But the City boss handed him his La Liga debut in October 2010, although he allowed him to leave for Benfica at the end of that season after just two first team appearances.

After two seasons in Portugal, including a loan spell with Grenada, Nolito joined Celta Vigo in 2013 – and his career really took off.

He played 100 games for them, scoring 39 goals, and soon attracted the attention of some of Europe's top clubs.

But it was City he chose to join, and he explained: “I was lucky enough to work with Pep at Barca, even if it was for a short spell. “Guardiola has his own philosophy, he is always on guard. He never relaxes and that is good for the team. He makes you work hard.”