Nico Gonzalez reveals ‘dream’ of joining Manchester City after Barcelona similarities | OneFootball

Manchester City’s latest signing has revealed the similarities between his upbringing at Barcelona and his venture into life at the Etihad Stadium during his first interview.

The 23-year-old Spanish midfielder became the Premier League champions’ fourth and final big-money signing of the January transfer window, in a market when City officials spent in excess of €200 million on the start of a major squad overhaul in 2025.

The belief is that despite having already brought in two central defensive names, a central midfielder, and a versatile attack via Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Nico Gonzalez, and Omar Marmoush, more investment is due to be made in the summer market.

The signing of a defensive midfielder or traditional central midfielder was made to wait, despite many believing that it was the most important position to fulfil at the midway point of the season.

Ultimately, having exhausted a number of options, Manchester City had settled on a player that at first glance appears to be ready-made for the playing style deployed by Pep Guardiola over the last nine seasons.

Speaking during his first official interview with Manchester City’s club website, Nico Gonzalez was keen to admit his delight at joining the best football club in the world over the last 10 years, in an opportunity that left him with no option but to accept.

“It’s great and it feels amazing to be here and finally have the chance to play for such a great team. I am very excited to start as soon as possible,” the midfielder admitted this week.

“When a team like Manchester City want you, the best team in the last 10 years, you don’t have any other option but to join. It was so easy for me to want to come here. I am really excited to meet the players and see the great level [they have].

“They are the best players in the world, so I want to see how good I am and push myself.”

The Spaniard continued by pointing out how his upbringing at Barcelona’s La Masia academy facility will give him a significant advantage upon joining Manchester City; a club that the 23-year-old has described as ‘not a typical English team’.

“I was playing my best season ever and it wasn’t easy to say goodbye to people who felt like family. But it was easy to come to Manchester because it is a great opportunity for me to grow and it is the best decision I could make,” he said.

“I think this season I have started to arrive more into the area to score and assist many goals. I think I have also improved a lot in my intensity, and I hope this will help me in the Premier League.”

Gonzalez continued, “I was raised in La Masia and since I was small, I always played a similar game and style to what Manchester City plays. Also, in Portugal I also tried to improve my play and the tempo of games which has made me a more complete footballer.

“I hope the fans see a player that can play with the ball but also attack. I am really excited because I have always wanted to play in the Premier League. It is a dream to be here.

“Also, I think City are not a typical English team as they like to play [with the ball] a lot and I love that. I hope I will enjoy it a lot.”

Nico Gonzalez could make his debut for Manchester City as soon as this weekend when the club returns to FA Cup action with a clash against Leyton Orient in the fourth round of the competition at Brisbane Road.