Manchester City sign Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic
Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea FC steals the ball away from Darragh Markey of St Patricks Athletic Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)
Croatian international Mateo Kovacic has departed Chelsea, after five years, to join the ranks of Manchester City.
Upon the announcement of the transfer, Kovacic expressed his enthusiasm for joining Manchester City and working under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola.
"This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City,” he said.
"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."
Kovacic also highlighted his ambition to continue developing as a player, stating, "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. I want to help this club stay at the top and win more trophies.”
Director of Football at Manchester City, Txiki Begiristain, lauded the new addition, describing Kovacic as an excellent footballer with tactical and technical qualities ideal for the club's midfield.
“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,” said Begiristain.
"He is someone we have monitored for a very long time and always we were impressed whenever we watched him. 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."
Kovacic made 221 appearances for Chelsea, and played a pivotal role in the club securing the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup titles.
The midfielder was also recognized individually as the supporters' Player of the Year in the 2019/20 season and received the 2022 Goal of the Season award for his spectacular volley against Liverpool.
Initially joining Chelsea on a season-long loan from Real Madrid in 2018, Kovacic's first stint at Stamford Bridge culminated in a Europa League victory in Baku.
The midfielder was instrumental in the triumph, starting in 10 out of 15 games in the competition. Ahead of the 2019/20 season, his switch to Chelsea was made permanent.
In the 2019/20 season, Kovacic's experience was invaluable to Frank Lampard's youthful side as they secured a fourth-place finish in the Premier League and made it to the FA Cup final.
The subsequent season witnessed Chelsea's second Champions League win, with Kovacic playing in the final against Manchester City.
The 2021/22 season saw Chelsea contest in the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, with Kovacic featuring prominently in victories over Villarreal and games against Al-Hilal and Palmeiras.
Last season also marked Kovacic's surpassing of the 200-appearance mark for Chelsea and helping Croatia secure third place at the World Cup in Qatar. The midfielder has earned 47 of his 93 international caps while being a Chelsea player.
