Manchester City’s newest signing Nico Gonzalez has made a special request that Rodri has already asked for – after just one game for the club.
With Rodri sidelined since September after suffering an ACL injury against Arsenal, City have been plagued with problems in midfield – with Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic struggling with the intensity in a number of games.
Although Pep Guardiola did attempt to find solutions with other alternatives but the club ultimately opted to pay £49.8 million to bring in defensive midfielder Gonzalez from Porto, making him the fourth and final major signing of the January transfer window after the additions of Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush and Vitor Reis.
The Barcelona youth product took on the No.14 shirt and made his debut in the FA Cup against League One Leyton Orient, lasting just 22 minutes and being replaced by Bernardo Silva after suffering an injury to his hip during the build-up to the shock opener from the hosts.
Having trained on Monday, Gonzalez is expected to be in contention for the crunch Champions League first leg clash with Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium and could give City some much-needed energy and control in midfield.
Gonzalez makes request
Gonzalez has only played 22 minutes for his new employers but it’s emerged he has made a request about how he would like to be referred to.
He has his first name, ‘Nico’, on the back of his shirt and according to commenator Mike Minay, he wishes to omit his surname entirely.
Rodri was born Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante and though he has had his first name on the back of his shirt for Atletico Madrid, City and Spain, he prefers to go by his nickname.
Gonzalez has penned a four-and-a-half year deal and it’s hoped that he could play alongside Rodri when the Ballon d’Or winner returns to action.
Manchester City’s latest signing, Nico Gonzalez, has made a special request to the club’s fans ahead of tonight’s highly anticipated Champions League match against Real Madrid. The 21-year-old midfielder, who recently joined the Citizens from Barcelona, has asked the Manchester City faithful to get behind the team and create a lively atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium.
Gonzalez, who is expected to make his debut for Manchester City tonight, took to social media to make his request, urging the fans to be loud and proud as they take on Real Madrid. The youngster’s heartfelt plea is a testament to his excitement and eagerness to get started with his new team.
“I’m thrilled to be making my debut for Manchester City tonight, and I want to ask all the City fans to get behind us and make some noise!” Gonzalez wrote on Twitter. “Your support means the world to us, and we need you to be our 12th man tonight. Let’s make the Etihad Stadium shake! #MCFC #UCL”
Gonzalez’s request has been met with a resounding response from the Manchester City fans, with supporters promising to create a electric atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium. The stage is set for an unforgettable encounter between two of Europe’s top teams, and Gonzalez’s request has added to the hype surrounding the match.
Will the Manchester City fans answer Gonzalez’s call and create a lively atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium? Can the Citizens silence the doubters and emerge victorious against Real Madrid? The answers will be revealed tonight in what promises to be an epic Champions League clash.
Gonzalez’s debut for Manchester City is highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see the youngster in action. With his pace, skill, and vision on the pitch, Gonzalez is expected to bring a new dimension to Manchester City’s midfield. Tonight’s match against Real Madrid will be a baptism of fire for the youngster, but he’s ready for the challenge.
“I’m excited to be playing against one of the biggest teams in the world,” Gonzalez said in a pre-match interview. “Real Madrid is a team with a lot of history and talent, but we’re confident in our abilities and we’re ready to give it our all. We want to make our fans proud and get the win tonight.”
