Advertisement
CONFIRMED

Wilfried Bony's move to Man City is now official

The Ivorian striker, who is away on international duty, has completed a move to the Premier League champions.

Bony City confirmed Twitter / Man City Twitter / Man City / Man City

Updated at 1.30

MANCHESTER CITY HAVE confirmed the signing of striker Wilfried Bony on a four-and-a-half-year deal from Swansea.

“City have completed the signing of Wilfried Bony from Swansea City,” the English champions announced on their website.

“The 26-year-old striker has agreed terms on a four and a half year deal which will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the end of the 2018/19 season.”

There was no immediate word on what the transfer fee would be but British media reports had claimed that Manchester City had agreed to pay up to €36 million (£28 million) for the Ivory Coast player.

Bony was quoted as saying: “As a player it’s always good to be part of one of the biggest clubs in the world and it’s a good opportunity for me to be in that situation now – I’m really proud.”

I think it’s a great decision for me – Manchester City is in the Champions League. You remember at the end of last season I said that if I want to move it will be to a team in the competition because it’s a great tournament that I really want to play in and one that I want to win.

“It’s a motivation for me to give my maximum to be in that place. City is a big club with great players with a lot of experience; I believe we can do it.”

Bony is thought to have undergone a medical examination with City in Abu Dhabi, where the club’s owners are based.

He is currently on international duty with Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

The dreadlocked centre-forward joined Swansea from Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem in 2013 for a club-record fee of £12 million.

He was the Premier League’s top scorer in 2014 with 20 goals and has scored nine times in 22 appearances this season.

Soccer - Wilfried Bony File Photo PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

City boss Manuel Pellegrini is a long-standing admirer of the player and his ability.

“He is very difficult to mark because he is so strong,” he said.

“He is an intelligent footballer who has skill and power. His goals record has been excellent since he came to England. He adapted very quickly to the game here and I think he will settle in at City quickly.

“He will be a very good addition to our squad. We now have four top class strikers and I am looking forward to seeing them work together.”

© AFP, 2015

You might be surprised by who Pellegrini thinks is the Premier League’s best player

Henry: I thought Wenger abuse was a joke

Your Voice
Readers Comments
12
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.