Pablo measures up at new Bundesliga club

PABLO Maffeo rolled up at Stuttgart for his welcome press conference to be greeted by a female reporter with a tape conference, asking if she could take a vital measurement.

The baffled former City player was probably relieved to discover that the journalist wanted to find out the circumference of his calves!

Maffeo has revealed that he joined the Bundesliga outfit on the recommendation of Blues boss Pep Guardiola.

City let the talented 21-year-old right-back go in a startling £8m deal, despite the fact that he had not made a Premier League appearance for them.

And Maffeo said that his fellow Catalan had been instrumental in his decision. “Pep Guardiola spoke highly of the Bundesliga, and those in charge at Stuttgart went to great lengths to persuade me,” said Maffeo.

He has signed a five-year deal, which is believed to include a City buy-back clause.

“I watched tapes of their home games, and I was impressed by the atmosphere in the stadium.

“I want to do my bit to help the club continue their positive development.”

Maffeo has already made a big impression – and a picture of the player striking a ball has caused the biggest stir, as it revealed his bulging calf muscle.

The picture went viral in Germany with comments such as “What a beast!” and “They’re huge!”