Manchester City took their January spending to £180m as Nico Gonzalez became the club’s fourth signing of the window in what was a dream come true for the midfielder – as well as the player’s father
Manchester City’s new signing Nico Gonzalez has revealed how his move to the Etihad was a dream come true for his dad – who had mapped out his son’s move to the club years ago.
Gonzalez sealed a £50million move to City from FC Porto on deadline day to further boost Pep Guardiola’s midfield options after losing Rodri for a large chunk of the season.
City took their January spending to £180m as Gonzalez arrived alongside Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.
Gonzalez has enjoyed an impressive career so far after coming through the academy at Barcelona before excelling at FC Porto, but the player himself has revealed that his dad was angling for him to join City after previous working as an Under-18 coach at the club.
He said his father Fran had recommended the City and football club as a perfect place for his growth and development, which made his decision much easier after being approached by the Sky Blues.
Gonzalez told City’s official website: “He was here [at City] two years. That is why he always recommended that if I had the chance I should come here.
“He always talks so well about Manchester, the city and obviously the team. He told me that I will enjoy it a lot here and I will be so happy here. He loved living here and I even visited once, and I really liked the city. About the club, the first thing he told me is that the people and the place are amazing and the best he’s seen. I think I will enjoy it a lot.
“He always told me that to come here would be the best thing. Even a few years ago, he always said that he wished me to play here! So now he’s so happy and I’m proud.”
Gonzalez has been one of the top players in the Portuguese Primeira Liga this season after making 17 starts, scoring five times and assisting three goals.
After explaining his decision to join City, he said the chance to play under manager Guardiola was a major factor. He said: “When a team like Manchester City want you – the best team in the last 10 years – you don’t have any other option but to join,” he told club media.
“Obviously working with [Guardiola] will be incredible. Everyone that I have talked to about him always talks so good and with him, I think I can reach my full potential and become the best player I can be.”
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