Brazilian Star Defender, Danilo Joins Man City

Premier league football club Manchester City has announced the signing of Danilo Luiz da Silva on a 5-year deal from Spanish league champions, Real Madrid.

The right-back player has now joined his new team mates on the club’s pre-season tour of America.

The 26-years old defender in an interview with Mancity.com said: “I am very, very happy to be joining.

“There has been strong interest from other Clubs, but it has always been my ambition to play for Pep Guardiola. As soon as I heard of his interest, I knew immediately I wanted to be a City player.

“I can’t wait to get started and I’m looking forward to getting to know my new teammates over the coming weeks.”

City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, said he is happy to have signed the defender. “Danilo is a fine player who offers great versatility to our squad,” he said.

“He can operate in several different roles in both defence and midfield, increasing Pep’s options ahead of the new season.

“We feel he has all the attributes needed to succeed at City and we look forward to helping him develop during his time here,” he added.

The Brazilian defender began his senior career at America Mineiro where he played a key role in their promotion from Serie C, before signing for Santos in 2010 where he spent two successful seasons.

Alongside Neymar and Alex Sandro, he was a revelation, and in 2011 he helped them win the Brazilian title and the Copa Libertadores, playing 37 matches in all competitions.

He played in both legs of the Copa Libertadores final – the first in central-midfield and the second at right-back – and scored the winning goal in the 2-1 win over Penarol that saw them lift the most coveted trophy in South American football.

After playing in the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup, he moved to Europe, signing for Porto, and within two years had won back-to-back Primeira Liga titles, with his energy and industry from full-back making him one of the most sought-after players in the Portuguese top flight.

In the summer of 2015 he moved to Real Madrid for €31.5 million, signing a six-year deal.

He played 55 times for Los Blancos, winning one La Liga title, two Champions Leagues, a UEFA Super Cup and a FIFA Club World Cup.

Danilo’s squad number at City is yet to be confirmed but will be announced by the club soon.

Man City Coach, Pep Guardiola continues his overhaul of City’s full-backs.