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Elliot Anderson has declared Manchester City the “kings of Manchester” throwing subtle jibes at Manchester United, after completing his £116m move from Nottingham Forest, Sky Sports reports.
The England midfielder has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium with the option of a further 12 months.
The deal was agreed earlier this month but finalised this week following the player’s return from the World Cup after helping the Three Lions to a third-place finish.
Anderson said he was “over the moon” to be signing for “one of the biggest clubs in the world” and has his sights firmly set on winning trophies.
“I can’t wait to play for this club,” the 23-year-old said. “It’s a club built to win trophies and compete at the very top of the game. That is exciting for any footballer.
“I think they’re winners, they’re relentless, and that’s the sort of team I want to be a part of. Over the last 10, 12 years, they’ve dominated, so that’s why I wanted to join.”
The midfielder is already relishing the prospect of playing in the Manchester derby, with City due to face arch-rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 13, live on Sky Sports.
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Anderson, who was a Man Utd target this summer, said: “It’s one of the biggest derbies in the world and for as long as I’ve known Manchester, City have been the kings of Manchester.
“It’ll be a great fixture, and I can’t wait to be involved in something like that.”
Anderson came through the youth ranks at Newcastle and made 55 first-team appearances for his boyhood club. Early in his career he also enjoyed a successful loan at Bristol Rovers, where he earned the nickname ‘Geordie Maradona’.
He joined Forest in a £35m deal two years ago and played 92 times for the Reds. He earned his first England call-up last season and quickly established himself as a key member of Thomas Tuchel’s side.
“I’m only 23, so I’ve got plenty of time to get to my best levels,” he said. “I’m definitely not there yet and there’s more to come from me.
“I think I bring a bit of everything. I bring quality, I bring physicality, energy. I’d like to think I’d get the fans excited, get them off their feet and bring energy to the team.”
