Man City confirm signing of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea
- Kovacic has signed a four-year contract at the Etihad Stadium
- City have agreed to pay Chelsea £25m in guaranteed money plus £5m in add-ons
- The Croatian will wear the number 8 shirt at City
By Tom Gott
Manchester City have confirmed the signing of midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea.
Kovacic had just one year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge and was free to leave this summer, with City taking advantage and securing a deal which will cost the treble winners an initial £25m, with a further £5m in add-ons.
The 29-year-old has signed a four-year contract at the Etihad and becomes City's first signing of the summer.
"This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City," said Kovacic, who will wear the number 8 shirt in Manchester.
"Anyone who has watched this team under Pep knows how good they are – for me, they are the best in the world. The trophies they have won are clear for all to see, but they are also the best footballing side out there. To be joining this squad really is a dream for any footballer.
"I still have plenty of learning and developing to do, and I know under Pep’s management I can become a better player, which is really exciting for me.
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"I still have plenty of learning and developing to do, and I know under Pep’s management I can become a better player, which is really exciting for me.
"My plan now is to rest for a few weeks before coming back to Manchester to prepare for the new season. I want to help this club stay at the top and win more trophies."
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: "Mateo is an excellent footballer.
"He can play as a 6 or an 8, has plenty of experience at top level clubs and he understands the Premier League. It was a very simple decision to bring him to City because he has the tactical and technical qualities we are looking for in a midfielder.
"He is someone we have monitored for a very long time and always we were impressed whenever we watched him.
"I am delighted he is here. This is a great signing for this club, and I am very excited to watch what he can do with Pep and the rest of our backroom team."
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