Danilo says he always wanted to play for Pep Guardiola as the ex-Real star eyes Champions League glory at Man City
The Brazil full-back will surely have irked his old club's fans by claiming the ex-Barcelona boss was the key to his Prem move
DANILO may be part of Real Madrid folklore, but he could not wait to go and play for Pep Guardiola.
The Manchester City new boy revealed the chance to work with Barcelona legend Guardiola was key to his £26.5million move.
Danilo’s glowing words about City’s Catalan boss are unlikely to endear him to the supporters and club he is leaving behind.
His two years at the Bernabeu were certainly memorable — with back-to-back Champions League medals in his pocket.
But he immediately set his sights on winning it again under Guardiola after penning a five-year deal.
Brazilian full-back Danilo, 26, said: “Pep has been very important because I love his playing style and he’s convinced me in the talks we’ve had.
“I’m looking forward to working with him. He’s been one reason.
“But it’s also the ambitious project of the club that convinced me to come.
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“I’m really looking forward to the challenge and I would love to win the Champions League with Manchester City.”
City’s £125m recruitment drive on full-backs is nearly complete with Benjamin Mendy arriving here in the US last night.
The France international, 23, was putting the finishing touches to his £49.3m switch from Monaco.
With £50m Kyle Walker, too, and £34.9m Ederson in goal, City believe they have significantly upgraded a defence that was creaking last season.
Guardiola would still like to bring in central defensive cover after letting Aleksandar Kolarov go to Roma.
And he is also waiting to move for Alexis Sanchez if he gets any encouragement that Arsenal may sell.
Versatile Danilo looks to be an ideal Guardiola signing as he can play in a number of different positions.
He might have to as well, with City letting all four of last season’s full-backs go and also looking to move on Fernando and Fabian Delph,
City face his former club here in LA in the early hours of Thursday morning, UK time.
Danilo added: “Pep told me I’m ready and that I can play in several positions, right- back, left-back, midfield.
“I don’t have a favourite position. I just hope to help him out as he expects. Any time I’m on the pitch in the starting XI I’m always happy.”
Danilo will certainly bring a winning mentality to City — with an outstanding CV.
His days at Porto and Madrid have certainly been memorable, but he is hungry for more silverware at his new club.
He said: “I’m used to winning, to getting victories, so I would like to give the fans that, but also hard work, effort and dedication, too.
“Collectively last year at Madrid was a great season because the team won La Liga and the Champions League.
“You have to learn how to win and I love winning.
“Undoubtedly it was very important for me being on the pitch and always winning.
“Now I’m ready to settle in to the club, to the city and to Pep’s managerial style.
“And above all to help the club win trophies.”
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