Raheem Sterling admitted he was delighted to finally become a Manchester City player and says he excited by the prospect of playing alongside new team-mates he describes as ‘world class’.

The 20-year-old agreed a five-year contract with the Blues with the deal becoming a British transfer record for an English player and while setting a new Club record in the process.

“It’s a good feeling and this is really happy time for me and my family,” said Sterling. “I’m just glad it’s all over and done with and I can’t wait to get on the training field.

“The thing that excites me the most is the world class squad we have and knowing we have a team that is capable of winning things year in, year out. The more quality players that are around you, the more quality it brings out in you so I can’t wait to get started and play alongside them.



Sterling, who will wear the No.7 shirt for City, revealed he’d spoken with Joe Hart recently about the Club and that the England keeper had given the Club a glowing reference.


“I spoke to Joe briefly on the last England trip,” he said. “He just told me what a really good football club this is and how nice the fans are – nothing too serious, but it was a bit of a heads up.


“It has been a long journey from QPR and I’d like to thank a few people who have helped me along the way.

“I’d like to thank Rafa Benitez for taking me to Liverpool as a 15 year-old – that was a massive step for me and a new challenge. Also to Kenny Dalglish for showing such faith in me and putting me in at such a young age.

“I want to thank Brendan Rodgers for giving me a chance and an opportunity in the first team, giving me my full debut – against City funnily enough – and giving me a real chance to cement a place in the first team and show the world my talents.

“Finally, I’d also like to thank all the people around me – my mum and sisters, my management team and Aidy Ward for helping me focus and get where I am today. I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone.”

where is man city going to play sterling? 50m for a squad player seems awfully expensive, no?

so goodbye david silva or jesus navas?

any other news? transfer rumours? kdb how? is he gonna join us?

jovetic out isnt it? better replace him with another striker, cannot depend on aguero all the time

what logic is that? if you beat barca? messi come here?

loan mangala

we need more nikka for def due to their special ability

Manchester City are delighted to announce that Nicolas Otamendi has joined the Club on a five-year deal.

The Argentine international follows Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph to the Etihad Stadium and will wear the no.30 shirt.

Recognised as one of the continent’s best central defenders, Otamendi leaves Valencia where his performances earned him a place in La Liga’s 2014/15 Team of the Season.

In the summer, the 27-year old was a teammate of Sergio Aguero, Martin Demichelis and Pablo Zabaleta as Argentina reached the Copa America final.

Although the Albiceleste were defeated by Chile on penalties, Nicolas was recognised for his excellent form throughout the competition with a place in the Team of the Tournament as his side conceded just three goals in their six games.

Otamendi said: “I am here to give my best, to fight game by game and push City to the highest peaks for as long as possible, and I wish we will be able to win several cups and titles.

"That’s the most important. To be here inside a club that looks so wonderful from the outside is a dream.”

Manager Manuel Pellegrini added: “Nicolas Otamendi was arguably the best defender in La Liga last season and so naturally I’m delighted to have added a player of his quality.

“He is an established international for one of the best nations in world football and I have no doubt that he has the right mentality to fit into a squad where he will find many familiar faces, including Eliaquim and Fernando who he played alongside in Portugal.

“As a footballer, Nicolas has all of the qualities to be a success in the Premier League – he’s strong, he’s excellent in the tackle and he’s very good technically.

“I am sure he will become another Argentine player our fans will enjoy watching.”

As his new manager alluded to, Otamendi’s signing reunites Fernando and Eliaquim Mangala with their former FC Porto teammate.