Man City coach Manuel Pellegrini, who guided the Citizens to both the Capital One Cup and English Premier League titles in the 2013/14 season, welcomed the signing of the 23-year-old French defender. He stated:
“I’m delighted to have added a player of Eliaquim’s quality in the squad ahead of the new season.
“He is already a fine player but in my opinion, he has all of the mental, physical, technical and tactical attributes to become one of Europe’s very best defenders.
“Eliaquim is a player I believe will make an immediate impact in the Premier League, thanks to his physicality, his reading of the game and quality on the ball. I think he will prove to be a great signing for us.”
Mangala is Manchester City’s sixth signing of the summer transfer window after the club acquired Bacary Sagna, Brno Zuculini, Fernando, Frank Lampard and Willy Caballero. The central defender has an eye for goal, netting 17 strikes in 192 appearances in Standard Liege and FC Porto shirts.
“City is a top club in Europe. For me, it was an important step to leave Porto and join Manchester City in order to continue my progress. I want to win titles and I believe I can do this. I am ambitious and this is why I am here.
“I’m very happy to come to England because for me, the Premier League is the best league in the world. It is a very intense and very aggressive competition. There are plenty of goals, so it is also really nice to watch and I can’t wait to get started!”
Eliaquim Mangala has been given the number 20 shirt. After lifting, among other trophies, the 2009 Belgian Pro League and 2011 Belgium Cup titles with Standard Liege and two Portuguese Primeira Liga titles as a Dragon, the French international will be hoping to take English football by storm.
