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Mateo Kovacic has completed a transfer from Chelsea to Manchester City for a fee of £25m plus additional performance-based payments.
The 29-year-old midfielder has signed a four-year contract with City, becoming their first signing of the summer transfer window.
“This is a brilliant move for me,” said Kovacic.
The new recruit is relishing the opportunity to play for City head coach Pep Guardiola.
“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 said.
“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”.
This move follows Ilkay Gundogan’s departure to Barcelona on a free transfer, which was announced by the club earlier.
Kovacic initially joined Chelsea on loan from Real Madrid in August 2018, before signing a five-year deal with the London club.
He made 37 appearances for Chelsea in the 2020-21 season, a turbulent campaign that saw the club finish 12th in the Premier League.
However, he was also part of the Chelsea squad that won the Champions League that season, coming on as a late substitute in the 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the final.
At the international level, Kovacic has made 95 appearances for Croatia. He played in every game as they finished third at the 2022 World Cup.
