Defender announced as Manchester City player
Manchester City Football Club have announced the signing of Nicolas Otamendi from Valencia.
The centre-back has signed a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium and becomes the club’s third major signing of the summer, following Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph.
Otamendi, who was strongly linked with local-rivals Manchester United, will wear the number-30 shirt for The Citizens and will look to force his way into Manuel Pellegrini‘s first-team.
City currently use Eliaquim Mangala and Vincent Kompany as their defensive partnership, but Otamendi could work his way into the first-team set-up throughout the campaign.
After arriving at the club, the defender spoke to City’s official website and discussed how it felt to complete his move from La Liga to the Premier League.
Player Statement
Otamendi said: “I am here to give my best, to fight game by game and push City to the highest peaks for as long as possible, and I wish we will be able to win several cups and titles.
“That’s the most important. To be here inside a club that looks so wonderful from the outside is a dream.”
Manager Statement
Pellegrini also added: “Nicolas Otamendi was arguably the best defender in La Liga last season and so naturally I’m delighted to have added a player of his quality.
“He is an established international for one of the best nations in world football and I have no doubt that he has the right mentality to fit into a squad where he will find many familiar faces, including Eliaquim and Fernando who he played alongside in Portugal.
“As a footballer, Nicolas has all of the qualities to be a success in the Premier League – he’s strong, he’s excellent in the tackle and he’s very good technically.
“I am sure he will become another Argentine player our fans will enjoy watching.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
