Lazio chief Claudio Lotito has said the highest bidders secured the services of Aleksandar Kolarov as he explains the reasons behind the left-back's move to Manchester City.
Kolarov has penned a five-year deal with the Eastlands club and the reported transfer fee was around €18 million.
Lotito maintains his club were eager to hang on to the Serbian, but they couldn't resist City's cash.
"We wanted to keep Kolarov, but he asked to leave and so we looked around," Lotito told Calcionews24.com.
"Manchester City were the team that, with the most credibility, got close to the player and presented a substantial economic deal for him.
"He was enthusiastic about trying a new experience and so we let him go."