Champions League winner Manchester City signal Mateo Kovacic on 4-year deal from Chelsea

By India Today Sports Desk: Champions League winners Manchester City have signed Chelsea’s Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic on a four-year deal. City, who had their eyes on Kovacic for some time now haven’t disclosed the charge, however it’s anticipated to be within the vary of 25-30 million kilos.

“This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City,” Kovacic stated in a membership assertion.

“Anyone who has watched this team under (coach) Pep (Guardiola) 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 becoming a member of this squad actually is a dream for any footballer. I nonetheless have loads of studying and creating to do, and I do know beneath Pep’s administration I can turn out to be a greater participant.”

The 29-year-old is City’s first signing since the club lifted the FA Cup and Premier League title before completing a rare treble by also winning the Champions League.

Kovacic first joined Chelsea on loan from Real Madrid in 2018-19 before completing a permanent move and signing a five-year contract.

He helped the West London side to the Champions League title in 2020-21, the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Club in 2021, as well as the Europa League in 2018-19.

Kovacic began his senior career with Dinamo Zagreb before signing for Inter Milan in January 2013. He made the switch to Real in the summer of 2015.

Kovacic made his Croatia debut in a World Cup qualifier against Serbia in March 2013 and has gone on to earn nearly 100 caps for his country, helping Croatia to the runners-up spot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and a third-placed finish in 2022 in Qatar.

“Mateo is a superb footballer,” City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said.

“He can play as a 6 or an 8, has loads of expertise at high stage golf equipment and he understands the Premier League. It was a quite simple choice to convey him to City as a result of he has the tactical and technical qualities we’re in search of in a midfielder.

“He is someone we have monitored for a very long time and always we were impressed whenever we watched him.

“I’m delighted he’s right here. This is a good signing for this membership, and I’m very excited to observe what he can do with Pep and the remainder of our backroom staff.”

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