Manchester City sign Petrov
Petrov was strongly linked to Spurs as well as Man City
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Thursday, 26, Jul 2007 04:25
Manchester City have secured the signature of Bulgarian international midfielder Martin Petrov for a fee of £4.7 million.
The talented playmaker joins on a three-year contract from Atletico Madrid, subject to a work permit being granted.
Permission for Petrov to move to City should not be a problem however, as the 28-year-old has a wealth of international experience with more than 60 caps.
The transfer also represents an excellent piece of business for City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, who has captured the £8 million rated left winger for a cut-price fee ahead of a number of other Premiership clubs, including Uefa Cup qualifiers Tottenham Hotspur.
And City chief executive Alistair Mackintosh said the club had their manager to thank for persuading Petrov to move to Eastlands.
"Having Sven-Goran Eriksson as our manager proved to be a major factor in the player's decision to move here," he told the City website.
"Unsurprisingly given the calibre of the player, there were a significant number of clubs competing for Martin's signature, and I am absolutely delighted that he has come to Manchester City."
Spurs manager Martin Jol has reportedly been tracking the availability of Petrov for some time, and will be disappointed to lose out – particularly as it still leaves the Dutchman with a conundrum as to who will fill the gap down the left wing at White Hart Lane.
The Bulgarian, who is rumoured to be best friends with Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov, will wear the number 15 shirt for City and is a significant addition to the squad, particularly as he solves a similar problem at the City of Manchester Stadium.
Former England striker Darius Vassell had been used as a makeshift left-winger for much of last season and the left side of midfield had been one of the club's main needs ahead of the new season.