Enzo Fernández said he had always dreamed of playing for “a club as big as Manchester City” in his first interview since completing his big-money transfer from Chelsea.
The Argentina midfielder left Stamford Bridge to join City in a British record-equalling £125 million ($169m) deal late on deadline day.
Fernández won the Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League during his time in London but suggested he can go on to greater glories with City.
“I’m really happy to be here. I always dreamed of being at a club as big as City,” the World Cup winner told the club’s website.
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“I’m grateful for the opportunity. It’s a very emotional moment for me and my family, to take this step at 25 years old, in a football career that I always dreamed of.
“I’m so happy to be here, enjoying these first few hours I’ve had at the club. I can already see just how big it is and we will enjoy ourselves and win lots of things together.”
Chelsea had set their own deadline of Aug. 14 for clubs make offers for Fernández but that passed and City only firmed up their interest late in the transfer window.
City have won 20 trophies in the past 10 years and Fernández said he intends to spearhead the challenge for more.
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“Manchester City have to win every trophy they compete for,” said Fernández, who links up again with his former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. “In every competition we play in, we have to compete and win, because this club’s history demands that.
“To be honest, from the first day they believed in me and called me to say they wanted me to join the club, I didn’t hesitate for a second.
“It’s a club that has won a lot in recent years. It’s a club that is making history in football and, for me, it’s a huge challenge.”
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Fernández’s arrival completes a rapid refresh of the squad following the departure of long-serving manager Pep Guardiola.
Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Allan Elias and Iliman Ndiaye have also come in while Rodri, John Stones, Bernardo Silva, Nico González, Tijjani Reijnders, Sávio, Omar Marmoush and Nathan Aké are among those to have left.
The club spent more than £400 million ($540m) on new arrivals but brought in at least £300 million ($405m) in player outgoings.
PA contributed to this report.
