MADRID, 5 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol, 21 years old and from RB Leipzig, has become a new Manchester City footballer this Saturday, being the second addition of the ‘citizens’ for the 2023/24 season after the signing of his compatriot Mateo Kovacic .
This has been communicated by Manchester City on its website. “Like Kovacic, Gvardiol began his professional career at Dinamo Zagreb, home to many of the most talented players Croatia has produced. During two seasons in his country, he won two League titles, a Croatian Cup and a Super Cup “, has indicated the press release.
Gvardiol played 87 games for RB Leipzig between the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, scoring five goals and winning the German Cup twice. “The center-back has played 21 games with Croatia, standing out on the way to third place achieved in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar”, recalled the ‘citizen’ note.
“I always dreamed of playing in England one day and doing it now with Manchester City, after the season they just had, it’s a real honor for me,” Gvardiol told his new club’s official media. Not surprisingly, Manchester City is the current European champion.
“Anyone who has seen Manchester City play last season knows that they are the best team in the world. Winning the treble says everything there is to know about the quality of this team,” he said. “Joining City is something very special for me and my family,” he added.
In addition, Gvardiol has praised his new coach. “Having the opportunity to work with Pep Guardiola will also be incredible. I know that I still have a lot to improve and I am sure that my game will progress with the best football manager”, he commented in this regard.
The sporting director of City, Txiki Begiristain, for his part, highlighted the virtues of the Croatian central defender: “We are very happy to bring Josko”. “He is a player we have followed closely and we think he has an excellent set of qualities,” Begiristain admitted.
“The best clubs across Europe have been monitoring him, so bringing him here is great news for us,” Begiristain said. “Josko is fast, competitive, combative, strong in the air, impressive in possession of the ball, with a lot of self-confidence and a strong character”, added the sports director.
“He’s also a left-footer, which gives us good options at the back. He’s still young, but his progress in the game has been rapid. We’re sure his upward trajectory will continue here at City working with Pep and his staff.” concluded Begiristain.