City’s only game in town for Dan
PEP GUARDIOLA took his summer spending beyond the £200million mark yesterday when Danilo signed on the dotted line and Monaco accepted an offer for Benjamin Mendy.
The Manchester City manager has now spent £133m on three full-backs, having splashed out £54m on Kyle Walker.
Danilo, who cost £27m from Real Madrid, will join up with his new team-mates on their tour of the United States after agreeing personal terms and passing his medical at the Premier League club.
“I’m very, very happy to be joining Manchester City,” he said. “There has been strong interest from other clubs but it has always been my ambition to play for Pep Guardiola.
“As soon as I heard of interest, I knew immediately I wanted to be a his City player.” Danilo, whose move is subject to receiving a work permit, had joined Spanish champions Real for about £20m in the summer of 2015 after helping Porto to back-to-back titles in the Portuguese top flight. The Brazilian international began his career at America Mineiro in his homeland and made the switch to eight-time national champions Santos the following season before his move to Spain. He played 55 times for Real and leaves in top form after helping them win the Spanish title last season.
He also won two Champions Leagues, the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup with Real and said: “Collectively, it was a great season the team won La Liga and the Champions League.
“You have to learn how to win and I love winning. Undoubtedly it was very important for me being on the pitch and always winning.
“I’m committed to the club, to the city and to Pep’s managerial style, and all that helps the club win trophies.”
Danilo could come up against his former side as early as this week as City take on Real in Los Angeles in Wednesday’s pre-season match.
And he is looking forward to meeting up with his teambecause mates ahead of the new season. “The last days have been very long because I wanted to meet my team-mates – they’re great players and I want to help them face the new season.” “I had a few words with Fernandinho [his fellowcountryman] and I hope they help me settle down quickly as possible.”
Danilo has predominantly played at right-back but it is understood Guardiola sees him as a left-back or as a holding midfielder.
Danilo would be happy to play in any position, as long as he is on the pitch. He did not play in last season’s Champions League final.
“Football is dynamic and it requires quality players in every position, so a player who can play in different positions at a good level has an advantage and becomes very important for the team as well,” he said.
“I prefer just to play, I don’t have a favourite position. I’m used to playing as right-back but any time I’m on the pitch in the starting XI, I’m always happy. Pep told me I’m ready and that I can play in several positions, right-back, leftback, midfield. I just hope to help him out as he expects.” as
As soon as Pep called, I knew I’d be signing