Aleksandar Kolarov will add in Manchester City
Manchester City have continued their summer spending after completing the signing of left-back Aleksandar Kolarov from Lazio, for an undisclosed fee believed to be around €22.5m (£18.9m). The 24-year-old Serbia international passed a medical in Manchester today and has agreed a five-year deal.
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Kolarov's arrival raises questions over the future of Wayne Bridge, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer. But manager Roberto Mancini insisted that he is keen to keep Bridge at Eastlands.
"I want two top-class players for each position," said the Italian. "I first saw Kolarov in his Lazio debut back in 2007. I have watched him a lot since then and so have the Manchester City scouts.
"His attacking capability is very good. He is fast and can shoot with power and accuracy. He also has the ability to play in numerous positions and is very good in midfield.
"This is an additional benefit to the team. He has a fantastic international career ahead of him. I am looking forward to working with him."
Kolarov, who played twice for his country at the World Cup in South Africa, will not be joining City on their current pre-season tour of America.
"I first saw Kolarov in his Lazio debut back in 2007," Mancini told the club's official website before confirmation of the deal. "He was composed on the ball had an excellent delivery with his left foot and was technically very able.
"I have watched him a lot since then and so have the Manchester City scouts. His attacking capability is very good. He is fast and can shoot with power and accuracy.
"He also has the ability to play in numerous positions and is very good in midfield. This is an additional benefit to the team. He has a fantastic international career ahead of him. I am looking forward to working with him."
However, Mancini is adamant that Kolarov's arrival will not spell the end of Wayne Bridge's career at Manchester City. The Italian said after a 2-0 defeat to Sporting Lisbon in New York: "I want two top class players for each position."
Kolarov is the fifth big-money signing for City this summer following the arrivals of Jerome Boateng, David Silva and Yaya Toure. Aleksandar Kolarov football shirts
