Manchester City sign Nolito from Celta Vigo

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Nolito from Celta Vigo on a four-year contract.

Nolito, 29, who had an €18 million (£13.8m) release clause in his Celta contract, will link up with new City boss Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, having played under him during their time together at Barcelona.

The Spain international, who will wear the No. 9 shirt at City, becomes the third signing of the Guardiola era following the arrivals of Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund and Aaron Mooy from Melbourne City.

#WelcomeNolito to #mcfc

Manchester City (@ManCity) July 1, 2016

“I’ll try to bring as much as I possibly can,” Nolito told the club’s official website. “I’ll do everything that the manager asks of me, try my absolute best and do everything I can to try to repeat the form I’ve shown throughout my career at various clubs.

“It’s just about trying to play my normal game and let’s hope that I can help Manchester City to win games.

“I think that Pep Guardiola is one of the best managers in the world. He knows a lot about the game and he’s going to help me progress as a player and I’m sure he’ll get the best out of me.”

Nolito added: “It was a really satisfying feeling when I heard of City’s and Pep’s interest in me, and also that of Txiki [Begiristain]. It was a real pleasure to be linked with the club so I spoke about things with my wife, my family and my representatives and we decided to sign. It’s something I’m really excited about and so here we are.”

Celta also announced news of Nolito’s move to City and wished him well at his new club, while confirming that the player’s €18m release clause had been met by the Premier League side.

“Celta thank Nolito for his commitment, professionalism and total effort during the three seasons he defended the blue jersey,” a Celta statement read.

Nolito jugará en el Manchester City

¡Suerte Nolo! ¡Gracias por 3 grandes temporadas!

RC Celta de Vigo (@rccelta_oficial) July 1, 2016

“The Andalusian leaves the memory of dozens of goals, assists and a unique talent which won the hearts of all Celta fans. The clubs wishes him the best of success in this new stage of his professional and personal life.”

Nolito arrives at City following his time with Spain at Euro 2016, where the reigning European champions were knocked out at the round-of-16 stage by Italy on Monday.

The forward, who has won 13 caps for his country, started all four of their games in France and will now join up with his international teammate David Silva at City.

He became a top target for Guardiola after making 34 appearances for Celta last season, scoring 13 goals.

Nolito was promoted to the Barca senior team by Guardiola, where he made five appearances in the 2010-11 campaign.

“I’m very fortunate that it was he who handed me my debut at Barcelona,” Nolito added. “I know him a little, I was with him for a short while whenever he got me to train with the first team or included me in the playing squad.”

Nolito, who turns 30 in October, began his career at Barca before moving to Portuguese side Benfica in 2011 and on to Celta two years later