Manchester City’s summer spending spree has begun after the club confirmed the capture of Brazilian international midfielder Fernandinho from Shakhtar Donetsk this evening.
The 28-year-old has been linked with the club for a while and had already expressed his desire to join the as-yet managerless Blues.
And the tricky box-to-box midfielder admitted the deal, believed to be worth £34million over the course of his contract, is a dream come true.
“This is a change, a challenge and a chance that I have been waiting a long time for,” he told the club website. “Playing in the Premier League for City is like a dream.
“My ambition here is to win all the titles, the team here is strong, and so is the greatness of the club and the supporters.
“Professionally this is a spectacular thing. Playing for a huge club in a huge league makes me so happy.
“I hope I will be able to repay City for what they have done for me.”
The Londrina-born midfielder, who was instrumental in Shakhtar’s 2009 UEFA Cup triumph, boasts an incredible 13 domestic trophies from his time in Ukraine.
But the five-time international admits he has a lot of hard work ahead of him at the Etihad Stadium if he is to lead City to similar success.
“I know I will face challenges but I am prepared for them,” he added.
“Every player at a high level faces pressure and must respond and I am ready for that too.
“I know a lot about City. Ever since they expressed an interest in me, I have been learning more.
“I am looking forward to meeting my new colleagues and becoming part of the team. I want to help bring more trophies and more history to Manchester City.”
The Blues are also expected to announce Spanish international winger Jesus Navas will also join from Sevilla while Manuel Pellegrini could be confirmed as manager early next week.
Image courtesy of Manchester City, via CityTV, with thanks.
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