Txiki Begiristain explains why Man City signed Josko Gvardiol

Manchester City beat competition from around Europe to sign Josko Gvardiol, and believe he is 'everything you want' in a centre-back, Txiki Begiristain says.

The Director of Football delivered his glowing verdict on City's new £77.5m signing, hailing Gvardiol's arrival as great news on the eve of the new season beginning with the Community Shield against Arsenal.

As Gvardiol, 21, insisted he has joined the club to improve under Pep Guardiola, Begiristain also predicted that the Croat will continue his rise from Dinamo Zagreb to RB Leipzig to City. The Blues believe their new signing can be a part of their defence for the next decade.

Reflecting on Gvardiol's arrival on a five-year deal, Begiristain listed the defender's qualities, also hailing another left-footer in the Blues ranks at the back. City believe Gvardiol can be a feature in their defence for the next ten years.

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“We are very happy to bring Josko to Manchester City," said Begiristain. "He is a player we have watched closely, and we feel he has a superb set of attributes. Top clubs all over Europe have been monitoring him, so to bring him here is great news for us.

"Josko has so many qualities – everything you want in a centre-half. He is fast, competitive, combative, strong in the air, impressive in possession of the ball, with strong self-belief and a good character. He is left-footed, too, which offers us good options at the back.

“He is still young but his progress in the game has been rapid. We feel confident his upward trajectory will continue here at City working with Pep and his staff.”

Gvardiol echoed his desire to improve as a player, while his new manager Guardiola