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Nicolas Otamendi has expressed his delight after his big summer move from Valencia to Manchester City and says he is eager to make his mark in the English Premier League, according to Yahoo. It is understood that Otamendi was presented an offer by Manchester City he could not turn down, revealing that the Premier League has always been his dream destination and City made it possible.
The former Valencia defender was signed for £32 million, making him the second most expensive signing Manchester City has made this summer transfer window. Otamendi was reportedly pursued by United boss Louis van Gaal the entire summer, but he failed to land the Argentine defender at Old Trafford.
The defender had played an integral role in Valencia’s return to Champion’s League qualification places and he understands his former fans’ frustration when he handed a transfer request to force his move away from the Mestalla stadium. However, Otamendi has no regrets and believes he made the best decision for his career.
Sergio Aguero and Manuel Pellegrini convinced me to join Manchester City: Otamendi
Otamendi spoke about how Aguero and Pellegrini convinced him and the fact that there were other Argentine players in the squad helped.
"Since I spoke with Sergio Aguero during the Copa America, the interest from City was always an attractive proposition,"
“I talked in depth to Manuel Pellegrini and he convinced me. The fact that there are other Argentinians there too was a positive element when the time to make a decision came about. They were looking for a central defender with my profile and I found their project to be attractive.”
Other Argentine players apart from Aguero include the likes of Pablo Zabaleta, Willy Cavallero, Martin Demichelis and Bruno Zuculini
"I had an amazing season with Valencia and I leave a great project that will carry on. We had a fantastic season and I acknowledge that my leaving was complex. As hard as it is, it was always a boyhood dream of mine to play in the Premier League.
“A chance like this doesn’t come around every day, so I had to grab it. I hope we have a good season and do well in the Champions League."
Otamendi confident he can excel in EPL
Manchester City had strengthened the squad this summer with the signings of Raheem Sterling (£49m), Fabian Delph (£8m) and Patrick Roberts (£11m) in addition to the former Valencia center back. And Otamendi is excited ahead of his debut season in the Premier League and remains confident that he will excel with City.
"To be one of the most expensive centre-backs makes one feel proud. On the pitch there is nowhere to hide. When the time comes to play it’s up to me to do my best.
“Football is different in every country. I hope to be able to express myself on the field of play and push myself to the limit in each game. I’ve played in Portugal, Brazil and then moved to a competitive league in Spain where it’s difficult to fight against the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.” the Argentine told ESPN.
