Mateo Kovacic explains decision to leave Chelsea for Manchester City

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.

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.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Source: Read Full Article