Matheus Nunes opens up on leaving Wolves as Man City confirm transfer deadline day deal
Matheus Nunes has completed his move from Wolves to Man City
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Matheus Nunes has opened up on his decision to leave Wolves after Manchester City confirmed his signing on deadline day.
The 25-year-old has moved to the Etihad Stadium for a fee of £53million.
Nunes becomes the club's fourth signing after previous deals for Mateo Kovacic, Jeremy Doku and Josko Gvardiol.
And the Portugal international has now explained his decision in an interview with City's official website.
Matheus Nunes is signing a five-year contract at Man City
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“I’m so happy to be joining Manchester City, the champions of Europe and a club I’ve admired for a long time," he said.
“The opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola, one of the greatest managers ever, and alongside some of the best players in the world was something I couldn’t turn down.
“I’ve learned so much during my season at Wolves and I’m excited to continue improving in the Premier League, a division which brings the best out of me.
“I’m really excited to get going, meet the fans and hopefully be a part of plenty more success at City.”
Nunes will wear the No 27 shirt at City, the same number he sported during his time at Wolves.
Director of football Txiki Begiristain added: “Matheus is a fine player.
"We are really happy he is here, and we know he will help us this season and beyond.
“He possesses real quality and will bring a fresh dynamic to this team.
"He is a player who can play passes that open defences, he can beat players and he is technically excellent.
“Everyone knows Pep improves players – we have seen it so often – and we cannot wait to see how Matheus develops under his management.”
City confirmed Nunes' arrival in a statement that read: "Manchester City are delighted to announce the signing of Matheus Nunes from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a five-year deal.
"The Portuguese international becomes our fourth signing of the summer, following Croatian duo Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol, as well as Belgian winger Jeremy Doku, through the door.
"Nunes’ professional career began in the summer of 2018 when he signed for Primeira Liga side Estoril.
"However, after impressing against Sporting in a Taca da Liga fixture, he would secure a move to the club in January 2019, making his senior debut for the Lisbon side in June of the following year.
"A breakthrough campaign for the 25-year-old would follow, with him becoming a regular in their march to a league a cup double in 2020/21, before a spot in the Primeira Liga Team of the Season for 2021/22.
"Wolves would pay a club record fee to secure Nunes’ services ahead of the following campaign, with the midfielder a regular at Molineux during his solitary full season in the West Midlands, even winning the Premier League Goal of the Month for April 2023 with a stunning strike against Chelsea."
Wolves boss Gary O'Neil had previously said he thought Nunes would stay with the club.
Speaking earlier in the week, he said: “He’s not with the group at the moment, his choice.
“After the bid from Manchester City he decided it was best for him to not to be with the group. Club policy and how we deal with things like that is set in place.
“As far as I’m aware there’s been no improved bid. Matheus Nunes is still our player, we have a long contract still with him and at this moment I fully expect him to be here come September 2.
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Pep Guardiola has landed his man after Man City secured Matheus Nunes transfer
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“The next few days will be key of course and conversations will take place that will be private between me and Matheus and I’m sure the situation will be resolved.”