Soccer:Manchester City have completed the signing of Bosnia and Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko for a fee of around €32 million. The 24-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half year contract and has been handed the vacant number 10 shirt.
Although the former Wolfsburg star completed his move too late to be considered for Sunday's FA Cup tie at Leicester, he is likely to make his debut against Wolves at Eastlands next Saturday.
"I was always attracted most to joining City. I have been linked with the club for a long time, going back to last summer, but Wolfsburg did not want to sell me until today," he told www.mcfc.co.uk.
"There was too much speculation in the papers but my head is always clear. It is important that is the case because if you think too much about what might be it is a distraction and it can affect your game."
Dzeko becomes Roberto Mancini's ninth signing since replacing Mark Hughes just over a year ago and his arrival is likely to trigger the departures of Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz at some point during this month's transfer window.
Dzeko came to the Premier League's attention last season when he scored in both Champions League games against Manchester United.
At one point, Alex Ferguson was said to be interested in the player, who ended last season as top scorer in the Bundesliga. But City were more persistent in their pursuit of the player, who will bring an extra dimension to the Blues' attack.
And once he became aware of what was happening at Eastlands, Dzeko was committed to making the move.
"I have watched them a lot on television," he said. "They have been playing well this season and now the speculation is over, I just want to do my best. I am pleased to be at such a good club with such big ambition. They were my first choice and only choice.
"Everybody speaks about City having lots of money but it is not about that. It is about ambition and I have spoken to coach Mancini and he told me 'this is the best club for you'."
After first declaring Chelsea would run away with the title, then stating this week that City were fifth favourites for the crown, Mancini gave away his real feelings to Dzeko when they met up earlier this week.
"City are playing for first place in the Premier League and that is what I want," confirmed Dzeko.
"I am excited to play alongside players such as Carlos Tevez and Yaya Toure, whom I have only seen on the television, and to be in the same team as players I have played against such as Jerome Boateng and Vincent Kompany.
"They will help me achieve my goal to be better in the future.
"I want to show the fans why the club paid the money for me. Everyone expects goals and I want to score them but most of all I want to contribute to a successful team.
"I don't want to talk about my skill - that is for other people to judge. However, I know my quality and when I am fit I am not afraid of a challenge."
