MANCHESTER CITY have signed Ruben Dias from Benfica in a £64million deal – with the centre-back piling praise on Pep Guardiola.
The Portuguese star, 23, has finally completed his move from Benfica on a six-year contract – with Nicolas Otamendi going the other way.
Dias arrived in England on Monday for his medical and, after passing, can now be officially unveiled as City‘s second centre-back signing of the summer, joining Nathan Ake.
On his move, Dias – who will take the No3 shirt at the Etihad – revealed Guardiola’s reputation for improving young talent was a key factor in him joining.
Dias said: “To have the opportunity to join a club like Manchester City is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I couldn’t turn down.
“Their success speaks for itself.
“They have been the dominant team in England over the last few years, playing an attacking brand of football which I feel suits my own game.
“It is really exciting to be part of such a talented squad and to play for a world class manager like Pep Guardiola, who has a proven track record of developing young players like myself.
“I believe I can improve here, at a club whose ambitions match my own and I will give everything to be successful and win titles.”
Dias added: “I am really glad to be here.
“City is a top club and for me to have the opportunity to be at a club like this in this league, it is everything I could have wanted.
“I am happy to be here but also ready to start with a lot of ambition.”
Meanwhile, City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain revealed his joy at landing top target Dias.
Begiristain said: “Ruben is a player we have admired for some time and we have been impressed with how he has progressed at Benfica.
“He has developed into a real leader and as a defender, he has all the attributes we are looking for.
“He is strong in the air, good in one v one situations and technically, he is very good, so we are confident he can thrive in our system.
“He is young but has gained valuable experience at a big European club in Benfica and we’re really pleased we’ve been able to sign him.
“He is another talented addition to the squad and someone who is only going to get better working under Pep.”
The signing of Dias now takes Guardiola’s spending on defenders to around £450m since joining in 2016.
