Elliot Anderson has explained why he joined Manchester City after his £116million transfer was confirmed on Thursday.
The midfielder signed for City from Nottingham Forest for what was meant to be a record transfer fee for a British player, before Chelsea went and eclipsed that within a matter of weeks.
The Blues paid Aston Villa £117m for Morgan Rogers, who played alongside Anderson at this summer’s World Cup.
Anderson, 23, joins Enzo Maresca’s side in a period of transition, with the Italian taking over the reins from Pep Guardiola, whose decade-long tenure came to an end upon the conclusion of the last campaign, where City were pipped to the Premier League title by Arsenal.
Anderson had plenty of suitors in the transfer market, but revealed that he was “absolutely determined” to move to the Etihad Stadium.
“City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the squad they have is amazing - so strong in every position,” he said.
“As a footballer, you want to test yourself at the highest level. Being at City means I have that opportunity.
“From the outside looking in, City are a club that treats its players well and provides the perfect environment to excel. The success they have had and the way they have played the game in the last 10 to 15 years has been extraordinary. It’s a privilege to be given the chance to be part of that.
“As soon as I arrive in Manchester after a break, I will be doing everything I can to establish myself in the City team.
“It’s a club built to win trophies and compete at the very top of the game. That is exciting for any footballer.
“I am so happy to have been given this opportunity, and I am determined to repay the faith City have shown in me.”
Anderson will take a three-week break following England’s third-place finish in North America, where they beat France 6-4 in the third-place play-off in Miami, Florida.
It followed a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat in the semi-finals by Argentina in Atlanta, Georgia, a game that Anderson started.
