Manchester City have signed Mateo Kovačić from Chelsea on a four year contract after confirming the departure of captain Ilkay Gundogan
Kovačić, 29, was snapped up for a fee believed to be initially in the region of £25m with up to an additional £5m in add-ons – the midfielder had just one year left on his contract with Chelsea who have been keen to offload players this summer after splashing out last season.
The 95-cap Croatia international will wear the number 8 shirt after the departure of legendary City captain Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona was also confirmed by the club today.
The experienced midfielder’s footballing journey started with Dinamo Zagreb before he signed for Inter Milan in January 2013.
He switched to Real Madrid in 2015 where he made 109 appearances winning three of his Champions Leagues before switching to Chelsea in 2018.
He helped his old team lift the Champions League two seasons ago – against City – before making the switch to the Etihad this summer.
Kovačić said: “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.”
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “Mateo is an excellent footballer.
“He can play as a 6 or an 8, 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.”