Antoine Semenyo has completed an initial £62.5m move to Man City after being linked with Liverpool earlier in the season
Antoine Semenyo has explained his decision to join Manchester City as Pep Guardiola confirmed the Ghana international had rejected the advances of a number of other clubs in favour of a move to the Etihad. Semenyo had been heavily linked with Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window.
But while the Reds had been monitoring the Ghana international’s situation at AFC Bournemouth, the reigning Premier League champions never actually made a move to rival City for his signature.
Semenyo, who had also attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, completed an initial £62.5m move for Man City on Friday, having enjoyed an eye-catching first half of the season with the Cherries in which he returned 10 goals and three assists from just 20 Premier League appearances.
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And after being unveiled as a City player, the 26-year-old shared his pride at joining the club as he admitted the opportunity to play under Guardiola, alongside his new team-mates and compete for major honours played a decisive role in his decision.
“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” Semenyo told club media. “I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League as well as achieving amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
“They have set the highest of standards and it’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep.
“It’s only sinking in now to be honest. I’ve had to work very hard to get to this point, I’m over the moon that it’s done and looking forward to the challenge.
“I’m so excited. I’m looking forward to meeting the boys, just competing at the highest level and hopefully winning all four competitions. I’m looking forward to it, and I can’t wait for the challenge.”
He continued: “I mean you want to be a part of the team, to be honest. You want to be winning those trophies, you want to be playing with the best players in the world, so that perception is that you just want to be involved.
“I thank God that now I’m involved and we can win many more trophies.
“I feel I’m still yet to reach my peak. I’ve still got a lot of learning to do and joining City is going to be the best thing for my development.
“I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It’s a real privilege to be here.
“My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that. And City are in a great position – still involved in four competitions. I really feel I can help them have a strong second half of the season.
“The best coaches, (and) the best players will take my game to the next level. I feel I’m improving but there are so many young players here who I think will be top players.
“I want to be part of that, and I want to rewrite history again. So joining a club like this and the previous players who’ve played in my position, it’s going to be great.
“The Etihad is my new home. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans here and I hope to show everyone what I can do.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola confirmed that Semenyo had rejected interest from elsewhere to move to the Etihadwhile director of football Hugo Viana confirmed the forward had made it clear to club bosses that he only wanted to join Man City.
“Many clubs wanted him but he decided to join us,” Guardiola said. “All I can say is thank you to him and we’re pleased for the next years.
“(For) a long time we’ve followed him. And in the end the situation we have with the wingers, we have three specific players with Oscar (Bobb), Savinho and Jeremy (Doku), we need to reinforce for the next years, which is why the club made the gesture to take him.
“He’s the perfect age, the best years are to come, all the clubs try to bring in young players but he will make his career and best years here.”
Meanwhile, Viana said: “Antoine is a really exciting signing for the football club. He made it clear to us immediately that it was City he wanted to join.
“His enthusiasm for this football club has been clear throughout the process. He has huge quality. Two great feet, pace, power, a habit of influencing games and, importantly, real room for growth and development.
“I am excited to see the player Antoine can become in the weeks, months and years ahead. We are constantly watching players all over the world. Antoine was the one we most wanted.
“He has shown he can perform in the Premier League. He is humble, hard-working, professional and totally focused on being a better footballer. He is ideal for us.”
