Portuguese defender Ruben Dias has joined Manchester City have on a six-year deal from Benfica.

The 23-year-old center-back becomes Pep Guardiola’s third summer signing, following the arrivals of defender Nathan Ake and forward Ferran Torres.

Dias arrival sees Nicolas Otamendi move in the other direction but Portugal international told the club official website.

“To have the opportunity to join a club like Manchester City is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I couldn’t turn down,” he said.

“Their success speaks for itself. They have been the dominant team in England over the last few years, playing an attacking brand of football which I feel suits my own game.

“It is really exciting to be part of such a talented squad and to play for a world-class manager like Pep Guardiola, who has a proven track record of developing young players like myself.

“I believe I can improve here, at a club whose ambitions match my own and I will give everything to be successful and win titles.”

Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, added: “Ruben is a player we have admired for some time and we have been impressed with how he has progressed at Benfica.

“He has developed into a real leader and as a defender, he has all the attributes we are looking for. He is strong in the air, good in one v one situations and technically, he is very good, so we are confident he can thrive in our system.

“He is young, but has experience playing for a top European club in Benfica and we’re really pleased we’ve been able to sign him.

“He is another talented addition to the squad and someone who is only going to get better working under Pep.”

Dias graduated from the Benfica academy before making 113 senior appearances and winning the Portuguese title in 2018-19.

He has also won 19 caps for Portugal and he will bolster the City defense, which conceded five goals in their recent defeat to Leicester City.

source:- fcnaija