Josko Gvardiol has completed his transfer to Manchester City in a deal worth £77.5 million.
The Croatian centre-back joins from RB Leipzig, signing a five-year contract to bolster Pep Guardiola’s defensive options ahead of the new season.
The 21-year-old, who will wear the number 24 shirt, says that it is a “real honour” to sign for City and a “dream” to play in the Premier League.
Gvardiol also says that he plans to keep on improving under manager Pep Guardiola, who he calls the “best coach in football”, and help the club to win more trophies.
Gvardiol on joining Man City:
“I have always dreamed of one day playing in England and to be doing so now with Manchester City – after the season they have just had – is a real honour for me. Anyone who saw Manchester City play last season knows they are the best team in the world. To win the Treble says everything you need to know about the quality this team has. To be joining City is something very special for me and my family.”
Gvardiol on what he brings to Man City:
“I’m the guy who likes challenges and I wanted to experience something new in my career. I definitely wanted to be coached by the best coach in the world – to learn something new and improve myself as a player and of course as a person. It’s good that this is the way we play – possession with the ball. It’s one of the reasons why I’m here and I hope this type of play is going to fit for me.”
Gvardiol on Guardiola:
“To have the chance to work with Pep Guardiola, too, will be amazing for me. I know I am not yet the finished article and I am sure my game will progress under the best coach in football. Especially after the perfect season last season – I decided to join you and become one of you, to learn from the best and to be coached by the best coach in the world. Especially Kova [Mateo Kovacic] too – he joined as well. I’m happy to be here.”
On the Premier League:
“I expect a tough league. Big names and big players. I’m here to achieve a lot of things with this team and to win as much as possible.
“I can’t wait to join the team and learn from the best. I’m going to be surrounded by world class players and it’s a pleasure to be here. I can’t wait to start training and to meet my teammates. I’m going to need some time to get into the training, but it won’t take long, I hope. The season starts soon so I have to be ready and fit.
“I believe every game is hard here. Every day is a new challenge and a new opportunity to win something and to achieve something. The guys know their qualities and they are full of confidence – I believe in them.”
