Finally! Man City sign top french defender as first January signing, Guardiola talks tough (photos)

macfranc007 January 31, 2018 IFTTT, Latest Sport News | Today on Naij.com Arinze Esomnofu

- Premier League leaders, Manchester City have signed French defender Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao for a reported fee of £57m

- The 23-year-old Laporte is a left-footed defender, known for his calmness, strength and passing ability

- City boss, Pep Guardiola plans on calling the defender to Premier League action immediately

Premier League leaders, Manchester City have signed French defender Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao for a reported fee of £57m.

The 23-year-old Laporte is regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe and will wear the number 14 shirt for the Citizens.

Manchester City sign French defender, Aymeric Laporte, from Athletic Bilbao (photo: mancity.com)

The Blues confirmed the signing of the versatile defender via a post on their official website and a tweet, which reads "Defensive reinforcements acquired! Please #welcomeaymeric to the Club! "

Speaking after putting pen to paper, Laporte said: “I am very happy to be here,”

“City are a Club with a lot of ambition and they are one of the best teams in Europe.

“I am looking forward to working under Pep Guardiola and trying to help the Club to achieve success.

“It means a lot that the Club have shown faith in me and I am excited to get started.”

City boss, Pep Guardiola also hailed his new signing in a series of tweet by the club.

Laporte is a left-footed defender, known for his calmness, strength and passing ability.

Started his senior career with Bilbao in 2012, after representing their B side and gaining first-team experience with CD Basconia.

Manchester City director of football, Txiki Begiristain, stated: “We are delighted to have signed Aymeric.

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“We have assessed defensive options and he is a player we have admired for a long time.

“With his quality and ability to play out from the back, we feel Aymeric will fit in perfectly with Pep Guardiola’s playing style.”

Laporte who also can be employed as a left-back was named in La Liga’s 2013/14 Team of the Year. In the 2015/16 campaign, he helped Athletic Bilbao to Supercopa de Espana glory – their first piece of major silverware for 31 years.

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