The 34-year-old performed an impressive comeback last year after seemingly being on his way out of the Etihad before forcing his way back into City boss Pep Guardiola's plans and signing a new one-year contract with the club.
As ever the former Barcelona midfielder is confident that City will be amonst the sides challenging for the title next year but admits it will be tougher than ever to end the season as Premier League champions.
He told the press: "This season coming, it is going to be more exciting and more difficult."
"Because all the clubs have the power to buy good, strong players.
"So many good teams, powerful teams, so many rich clubs who can buy good players, To be honest it is going to be exciting for the fans, but for us it is going to be difficult!
"We will see what happens but I think it is going to be a tough year."
It looks like City will certainly be prepared for the new season. Having alread spent big-money on the likes of Bernardo Silva, Kyle Walker and Ederson, the 'Citizens' are also believed to be closing in on the signing of left-back Benjamin Mendy from Monaco.