Manchester City have confirmed the signing of FIFA esports player Ryan Pessoa for the 2019/20 FIFA 20 season, joining Shaun ‘Shellzz’ Springette as part of the club's esports squad for the upcoming campaign.
Pessoa ranked 17th in the world on Xbox last season and represented the club in the 2019 eClub World Cup, alongside Shellzz, as they reached the quarter-final stages.
Pessoa, who was formally with Hashtag United in 2017, expressed his delight at being able to represent Man City on the world stage, in an interview published the Man City Official Website .
“It’s a massive honour to sign for such a prestigious club, who have clear ambition both on the football pitch, and on the virtual one” said Pessoa.
“I will do my best to ensure I perform at the highest level to make this club proud."
The club have confirmed that Pessoa will represent City in the upcoming ePremier League qualifiers, competiing against City fans from around the UK for the chance to represent the club at the ePremier League final next March.
This news follows on from Man City's recent partnership with esports organisation FaZe Clan, as they look to expand their presence within esports, particularly FIFA.
FaZe Clan is a hugely popular esports organisation based in North America, having professional esports players who specialise in games like Fortnite, Counter Strike, Call of Duty, PUBG, Rainbow Six and FIFA.
The collaboration will include a shared training facility created by both FaZe Tass and Shellzz, the professional FIFA esports players from both organisations, limited-edition co-branded products, exclusive content, events and YouTube content.
