MY ACCOUNT
Julian Alvarez has been provided with plenty of information about Manchester City by club legend Sergio Aguero after officially making his move following his final game for River Plate.
Argentine forward Alvarez penned a five-and-a-half-year deal with City in January for a reported £14million fee but remained with River on loan.
Alvarez’s switch has now been completed after River suffered a 1-0 aggregate defeat to Velez Sarsfield in the Copa Libertadores last 16.
The 22-year-old caught the attention of several of European heavyweights thanks to a record of 53 goals and 31 assists in 120 River appearances.
He will have to go some to emulate the achievements of countryman Aguero in a City shirt, with the now retired striker becoming the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 257.
“We all know how important Kun was for Manchester City and what he means for the world too, as a club player and as a player for the Argentinian national team as well,” Alvarez, who will wear the number 19 shirt, told City’s official website.
“I had the opportunity to speak with him and he told me many things about the city, about the team-mates, about Manchester City in general.
“I also spoke with Willy Caballero and Nicolas Otamendi since we are team-mates in the national team.
“I am very excited about what’s to come and I’m very happy to be part of this club.”
Alvarez is another piece in an exciting window for City, who have already added Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips and Stefan Ortega to their ranks.
For Alvarez, the chance to work with Pep Guardiola and play in the Champions League were among the huge lures of leaving South America for Europe.
“I was able to talk to him [Guardiola] in February, when the signing was confirmed,” Alvarez added.
“He welcomed me to the club. I am glad to be part of the City project. I think he is one of the best coaches in the world and he has been at incredibly successful clubs.
“I want to do a good job for him, to continue growing as a footballer and as a person.
“I am very excited and proud having come this far.
“The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world. As a boy I always dreamed of playing in Europe, playing for the best clubs, in the major leagues and so to be here today is a privilege.
“I have watched a lot of City games. It’s very satisfying to watch them play. City are one of the best clubs in the world and they have an incredible playing style.”
