Mateo Kovacic Joins Manchester City: Ready to Take His Game to the Next Level
Introduction
Mateo Kovacic has completed a £30m move to Manchester City, becoming the first signing of the summer for the Premier League champions. The Croatian midfielder is looking forward to taking his game to the next level under Pep Guardiola and joining the ‘best team in the world’.
Kovacic’s Career at Chelsea
Kovacic made 221 appearances for Chelsea across five seasons at Stamford Bridge, helping the Blues win the Champions League and Europa League. He played 37 games for Chelsea last season as the Blues finished just 12th in the Premier League under three different managers.
Kovacic’s Excitement at Joining Manchester City
Kovacic expressed his excitement at joining Manchester City, saying: ‘This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City. 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. 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.’
Txiki Begiristain’s Comments on Kovacic
Txiki Begiristain, Director of Football at Manchester City, said: ‘Mateo is an excellent footballer. He can play as a six or an eight, 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.’
Manchester City’s Potential Signings
Kovacic bolsters Guardiola’s midfield options following the departure of Ilkay Gundogan, who has joined Barcelona on a free transfer. Manchester City could also welcome England’s Declan Rice to the Etihad this summer after making a formal bid for the West Ham captain, though the opening offer has been rejected.
Conclusion
Mateo Kovacic is looking forward to taking his game to the next level under Pep Guardiola and joining the ‘best team in the world’ at Manchester City. The Croatian star leaves west London just a few days before the arrival of former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge. Kovacic bolsters Guardiola’s midfield options following the departure of Ilkay Gundogan, and Manchester City could also welcome England’s Declan Rice to the Etihad this summer.