Everton’s Rodwell signs for City

Manchester City have completed the signature of Jack Rodwell from Everton for an undisclosed fee.

The combative midfielder missed large sections of last season due to injury, but has grown in stature at Goodison Park over recent years.

The England international has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League champions and has expressed his delight at his summer switch.

“It is an honour to be signing for the champions,” he told the Etihad Stadium club’s official website.

“I relish the opportunity of playing with some of the best players in the world and continuing my development.

“I look forward to working with Mr Mancini and his coaching staff and ultimately playing in front of the City fans at the Etihad Stadium. It will be an amazing experience to make my debut in front of them. The hard work starts today as I start to help contribute to the club winning more silverware.

“I have a special relationship with the chairman, Mr Kenwright, who did not want me to leave but this was an opportunity I could not refuse.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to everyone at Everton Football Club. The manager has been brilliant for me and helped make me the player that I am today.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to him and all the coaching staff and players who have worked with me since I joined the academy as a seven-year-old.

“Finally I would like to thank all the fans who have been amazing during my years at Everton. I have enjoyed every minute of my time there and I wish everyone at the club the best of luck for the new season and beyond,” he commented.

Rodwell is City’s first summer signing.