LONDON, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Premier League champions Manchester City on Thursday confirmed the signing of Spain international midfielder Rodrigo Hernandez on a five-year deal.
The confirmation of the move comes after Rodrigo presented the 70 million euros (79 million US dollars) needed to buy him out of his contract with Atletico Madrid at the Spanish LaLiga headquarters on Wednesday.
"What City have achieved in the last two years has been amazing and I'm looking forward to being part of such a talented squad."
"It's not just the titles they have won, but the way they have managed it, playing attacking football at all times. It's a style that excites me, as do the club's ambitions," Rodrigo told the Manchester City website, adding that he was looking forward to working with coach Pep Guardiola.
The arrival of the player who has six Spain caps ends City's search for a holding midfielder to provide competition for the 34-year-old Fernandinho, who last season had no direct replacement in Guardiola's squad.
Rodrigo is able to play in front of the defense to provide cover, but also moves the ball neatly to instigate counter-attacks and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to City's attack minded game after spending last season working with the more defensive Atletico boss, Diego Simeone.
"Rodri has proven himself to be a hugely talented young midfielder, who has all the attributes we are looking for. He works hard defensively, makes himself available to receive the ball and uses it well when in possession. He is perfect fit for Pep Guardiola's team and we are confident he will be a success," commented City's Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain.
