City clinch Zabaleta deal

Argentine defender signs five-year contract with Premier League club

Last updated: 31st August 2008

City clinch Zabaleta deal

Zabaleta: Happy with move

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Manchester City have completed the signing of Pablo Zabaleta from Espanyol for an undisclosed fee.

The Argentine defender has agreed a five-year contract at City after successfully coming through a medical.

Zabaleta is delighted to have secured a move to the Premier League and has also been impressed by City boss Mark Hughes.

"I am very happy to come here and play in the Premier League," Zabaleta told the club's official website.

Lifelong dream

"Playing in England has been a lifelong dream which has finally come true by moving to City."

Of Hughes, Zabaleta added: "I'd met him previously and was really impressed with him, but having talked to him about Manchester City I had to come here and be part of his plans.

"I'm very confident of helping the first team to achieve their goals for the season and after walking around the stadium I can't wait to play in front of the City fans there. It is very impressive."

Great signing

Zabaleta won a gold medal at the Olympic Games earlier this month and Hughes was happy to follow up the capture of Shaun Wright-Phillips by bringing in the full-back.

Hughes said: "We feel the addition of Pablo is another great signing for Manchester City.

"He's young and a winner, with an Olympic gold medal to prove that, but more so he will provide us with great balance in the side.

"I'm very happy to bring him here and hopefully we can get a good result at Sunderland to round off what has been a very satisfactory week indeed for us."