Although Man City did not disclose the contract, according to The Athletic, the reigning UEFA Champions League champions had to pay a fixed fee of 25 million pounds, plus 5 million pounds in additional fees to get the service of Mateo Kovacic. At the Etihad Stadium, the Croatian midfielder was given the number 8 shirt left by Ilkay Gundogan - who recently joined Barcelona on a free transfer.

Mateo Kovacic wears shirt number 8 at Man City. Photo: Man City

Previously, Kovacic's contract with Chelsea was valid until June 2024, but negotiations to extend the contract between the two sides reached a deadlock. Therefore, the London team decided to sell him outright to Man City to avoid the risk of losing him for free next year.

The announcement on Man City's homepage read: "Kovacic is our first signing of this summer's transfer window and will join the team in looking forward to an even more successful 2023-2024 season."

During the signing ceremony with the reigning UEFA Champions League champions, Mateo Kovacic expressed: "This is a great new chapter in my career. I can't wait to start with Man City. Anyone who has followed the team under coach Pep Guardiola knows how strong Man City is. Joining this team is really a dream for anyone. I have a lot to learn and develop. Working with coach Pep Guardiola, I can become a better player."

Mateo Kovacic has made 221 appearances in five seasons at Chelsea, winning the Champions League, Europa League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup, as well as being named Chelsea's Player of the Year in 2019-20. The 29-year-old has earned 95 caps for his country so far and was a key part of Croatia's runners-up finish at the 2018 World Cup and third place finish at the 2022 World Cup.

HOAI PHUONG (synthesis)