Danilo adds to City’s newly built defence
MANCHESTER CITY have completed the signing of full-back Danilo from Real Madrid on a five-year deal.
The 26-year-old will join up with his new teammates on their tour of the United States after agreeing personal terms and passing his medical at the Premier League club.
Danilo said: “I am very, very happy to be joining Manchester City.
“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 his interest, I knew immediately I wanted to be a City player.”
Danilo, whose move is subject to receiving a work permit, joined LaLiga champions Real Madrid for 31.5m euros in the summer of 2015 after helping Porto to back-to-back titles in the Portuguese top flight. City are reported to have paid Real £27m for the South American.
The Brazil international started his career at America Mineiro in his homeland and made the switch to eighttimes Brazilian national champions Santos the following season before making the move to Spain.
He made 55 appearances for Real and joins City in top form after winning the Spanish title last season, while with Madrid Danilo also won two Champions Leagues, the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
He hopes to enjoy similar success with the Blues, adding: “Collectively it was a great season because 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 am 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 next 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 teammates ahead of the new season and added: “The last days have been very long for me because I wanted to be here and meet my teammates because they’re great players, and I want to help them face the new season.
“I had a few words with (City’s Brazilian midfielder) Fernandinho and I hope they help me settle down as quickly as possible.”
Danilo has predominantly played in the right-back position in the past but it is understood that Guardiola sees the Brazilian playing in a left-back role or that of a holding midfielder.
On his position on the pitch, Danilo says he would be happy to play in any position, as long as he is on the pitch.
“Football is very dynamic and it requires quality players in every position, so I think a player who can play in different positions at a good level has an advantage.”