Elliot Anderson has not yet played for Manchester City, but he has already made clear his allegiance. The England superstar snubbed Manchester United to join City in a £116m deal, and he has wasted no time explaining why.
“I think they're winners. They're relentless - and that's the sort of team I want to be a part of,” said Anderson. “Champions and people who win trophies. Over the last 10, 12 years, they've dominated, so that's why I wanted to join. For as long as I've known Manchester, City have been the kings of Manchester.”
Anderson's Comments Echo Tevez Taunt
Anderson’s comments will rile his new neighbours and echo the time when City taunted United with a giant ‘Welcome To Manchester’ poster depicting Carlos Tevez, having lured the Argentine from Old Trafford in 2009. United might have spent months trying to sign Anderson themselves, but the player insists Sir Jim Ratcliffe & Co were wasting their time.
Former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson once labelled City the ‘noisy neighbours’. But City have dominated English football in the last decade.
Anderson: City the Perfect Environment
Anderson said: “Manchester City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the squad they have is amazing - so strong in every position. As soon as I knew they wanted me, I was absolutely determined to make this move happen. As a footballer, you want to test yourself at the highest level. Being at City means I have that opportunity.”
“From the outside looking in, City are a club that treats its players well and provides the perfect environment to excel. The success they have had, and the way they have played the game in the last 10 to 15 years has been extraordinary. It’s a privilege to be given the chance to be part of that.”
Rapid Rise to the Top
Anderson's rise has been rapid. In four seasons he went from being on-loan with Bristol Rovers to helping England reach a World Cup semi-final, via becoming the most expensive footballer in Britain. He said: “It's happened quite quick, but I think I always believed that I could get to this point - and this is where I want to be. Now that I'm here, I'll keep pushing and try to take this club forward.”
“It's a club built to win trophies and compete at the very top of the game. That is exciting for any footballer. I'm so happy to have been given this opportunity, and I am determined to repay the faith City have shown in me.”
Looking Up to De Bruyne
Anderson, 23, grew up marvelling at Kevin De Bruyne's influence on City and English football. He admits finding himself in the same team De Bruyne graced feels like a dream. He said: “I think Kevin De Bruyne is someone who I've hugely looked up to over the past seven or eight years. I've always grown up through the academy at Newcastle. I've always wanted to play like him. I've watched him all the time, and to be sat here in the team that he was doing it for is so special.”
Pep Guardiola might now be gone, but Anderson is relishing working under Enzo Maresca, and the chance to prove he is worth the nickname 'Geordie Maradona', given to him by Rovers fans.
He added: “They started that and it sort of stuck everywhere I've been. It's a really good one. It makes me happy when I hear it on the pitch and yeah, it gives me real confidence. I think I bring a bit of everything. I bring quality, I bring physicality, energy. I'd like to think I'd get them (City fans) excited, get them off their feet and bring energy to the team.”
