Mateo Kovacic completed a £30m move to Manchester City (Picture: Getty)
New Manchester City signing Mateo Kovacic says he wants to take his game to another level under Pep Guardiola after joining the ‘best team in the world’.
Kovacic, 29, has signed a four-year deal at the Etihad Stadium after Man City agreed to pay Chelsea £25m plus £5m in add-ons for his signature.
The Croatia midfielder becomes Manchester City’s first signing of the summer and joins a star-studded squad that won a stunning and rare treble last season.
Kovacic made 221 appearances for Chelsea across five seasons at Stamford Bridge, helping the Blues win the Champions League and Europa League.
‘This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City,’ he told the club’s official website.
‘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, Director of Football at Manchester City, added: ‘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.
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‘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.’
Kovacic played 37 games for Chelsea last season as the Blues finished just 12th in the Premier League under three different managers.
Kovacic spent five seasons at Stamford Bridge (Picture: Getty)
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, 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.
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‘This is a brilliant move for me.’
