Nico Gonzalez’s Decision to Join Manchester City Influenced by Father’s Connection to Club
Nico Gonzalez Reveals Father’s Manchester City Link Convinced Him To Make Move
Manchester City’s latest signing, Nico Gonzalez, has opened up about the influence of his father’s connection with the Premier League champions in his decision to leave Porto and join the Etihad Stadium. The 23-year-old completed his move to City on the transfer deadline day in a deal worth 49.9 million pounds ($62.5 million). Gonzalez’s father, Fran, had previously worked as a coach in the City academy when Gonzalez was younger, which played a significant role in his decision-making process.
Family Influence and Recommendations
In a recent interview, Gonzalez shared, “He was here for two years. That is why he always recommended that if I had the chance I should come here. He always talks so well about Manchester, the city, and obviously the team. He told me that I will enjoy it a lot here and I will be so happy here in the city. He loved living here and I even visited once and I really liked the city.”
He further added, “(He) has helped me make the right decisions and he always told me that to come here would be the best thing. Even a few years ago, he always said that he wished that I would play here. So now he is so happy and proud.”
Football Journey and Adaptability
Gonzalez began his footballing journey at Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, where he made 37 appearances for the club before going on loan to Valencia and eventually joining Porto in 2023. With his experience and skill set, he is expected to seamlessly fit into Pep Guardiola’s system at Manchester City.
The midfielder expressed, “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 complete footballer. I hope the fans see a player that can play with the ball but also attack.”
Immediate Impact and Growth Opportunities
Having scored seven goals in 29 appearances for Porto this season, Gonzalez is confident in his ability to make a significant contribution to City’s midfield. Despite the emotional farewell to his former club, he is excited about the growth opportunities that await him at Manchester City.
Gonzalez stated, “I have improved a lot in my intensity and I hope this will help me in the Premier League. 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.”
Looking Ahead
As Manchester City aims to climb up the Premier League table, Nico Gonzalez’s arrival is seen as a boost to the squad’s midfield options. With his blend of technical skill, versatility, and goal-scoring ability, he is poised to make a significant impact in the team’s pursuit of silverware. Fans can expect to see Gonzalez in action soon, as he looks to make a mark in English football and continue his development under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.