Nico Gonzalez has completed his move from Manchester City to Newcastle United (Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
Nico Gonzalez has completed his move from Manchester City to Newcastle United (Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
NICO Gonzalez says he can't wait to experience St James' Park as a home player after completing his £50m move from Manchester City.
The 24-year-old is United's marquee signing of the summer and a crucial capture, replacing captain Bruno Guimaraes after his move to join Premier League champions Arsenal.
Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson says Gonzalez was Newcastle's top target to replace Bruno.
Gonzalez has signed what Newcastle describe as a long-term deal and will wear the No.6 shirt this season.
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The former Porto midfielder, a product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, arrived on Tyneside on Tuesday and completed his medical today. He's expected to be in the stands at St James' Park tonight to watch the Carabao Cup second round tie against West Brom.
The midfielder said: “I’m really happy to be here at this amazing club.
"I’ve only heard top words about the club and the city, so I’m really excited to live here and to be part of this project.
“I love the black and white shirt already and I can’t wait to start wearing it on the pitch for this club.
“I’ve experienced playing at St. James’ Park twice with Manchester City and it was really tough. The atmosphere was amazing and the fans are so passionate. I can’t wait to experience that as a home player.”
Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle said: “I’m very happy to see Nico become a Newcastle United player. He brings serious quality and elite experience in a key area of the pitch.
“Nico is a really strong ball carrier - somebody who can drive the team forward while staying composed under pressure. He also brings discipline defensively, he reads the game well and his physicality makes him well suited to the Premier League.
“Nico is a proven winner who has already played at some huge clubs in Europe’s top leagues, but he’s also still young and hungry to develop further. He is a fantastic addition to our squad.”
Wilson said: “We’ve worked patiently on this transfer for a number of weeks. This was the one we wanted, and we’re delighted to welcome Nico to Newcastle United this evening.
"He was an ambitious target but following our discussions, he was so keen to join this club.
“He fits the exact criteria we set for this position and we weren’t prepared to compromise on that.
"He’s 24 years old, with an abundance of elite experience across Manchester City, FC Porto and Barcelona. He’s already already shown his quality in the Premier League and we’re sure there is more to come here in a black and white shirt.
“We believe he brings a range of qualities that will complement our team, and his experience across some of Europe’s top competitions will only be of benefit to Newcastle United.”