Man City complete record £63m transfer for Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodri
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MANCHESTER CITY have signed Atletico Madrid star Rodri for club record £63million.
The Spain midfielder, who will wear the No16 at the Etihad, is Pep Guardiola's second summer transfer move after re-signing left-back Angelino the day before.
Atletico confirmed yesterday that City triggered Rodri's release clause, paving the way for the highly-rated midfielder to join the Premier League champions.
He impressed in his first season at Wanda Metropolitano, having signed from Villarreal for just £18m last summer.
The Etihad outfit have smashed their transfer record to sign the Spain star, 23, topping the £60m they paid Leicester for Riyad Mahrez last year.
Guardiola was determined to sign a holding midfielder ahead of the new season to bring in a successor for the ageing Fernandinho, 34.
City hilariously announced their latest transfer move with an Only Fools and Horses Google search gaffe.
Having typed Rodri's name, the Manchester side shared a picture of the browser showing snaps of sitcom character Rodney Trotter instead of their new boy.
ROD HOT
The Spaniard has said he is excited to join City not only because of the size of their trophy cabinet, but the style of football they play under Guardiola.
Rodri told the club's website: "What City have achieved in the last two years has been amazing and I’m looking forward to being part of such a talented squad.
"It’s not just the titles they have won, but the way they have managed it, playing attacking football at all times.
"It’s a style that excites me, as do the Club’s ambitions.
"I can’t wait to start working with Pep Guardiola and my new team-mates and hopefully we can achieve great things together."
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And City's director of football said: "Rodri has proven himself to be a hugely talented, young midfielder, who has all the attributes we are looking for.
"He works hard defensively, makes himself available to receive the ball and uses it well when in possession.
"He is a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s team and we are confident he will be a success."