Sport

Manuel Pellegrini excited by ‘talented’ Jesus Navas and Fernandinho arrivals at Manchester City

By John McDougall

New Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has heaped praise on the two signings he hopes will be able to help wrestle the title back from rivals United.

Spanish winger Jesus Navas and Brazilian attacking midfielder Fernandinho arrived at the Etihad Stadium earlier this month for a combined transfer fee approaching £50million.

But Pellegrini feels the money has been well spent on two exciting midfield options that will invigorate the Citizens’ attacking line-up.

“Jesus is a world and European champion and a regular squad member in a very specialSpainteam,” he told City’s official website

“He will provide a variety of attacking options for us and he can also score goals as well as create them for others.

“I made Fernandinho one of the top priorities – he has impressed me on a number of occasions over the past few years.

“He is a superb athlete with a wide range of passing, can score goals and most importantly, can quickly turn defence into attack.”

Navas – currently on duty with Spain at the Confederations Cup – arrived from Sevilla and is a player Pellegrini knows well from his decade managing in La Liga.

Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho comes to English football from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, having spent eight seasons there.

With the fixture list being announced and more signings on the horizon, Chilean manager Pellegrini feels this is an exciting time for City.

“Both Jesus and Fernandinho add pace and skill to what is already a very talented and successful squad,” he added.

“I am looking forward to working with both our new signings and to working with the players who have already won a Premier League title together.

“We have a very strong pool and together we aim to achieve great things.”

Image courtesy of AlJazeeraEnglish, via YouTube, with thanks.

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