The 29-year-old player signed a four-year deal that could be worth an extra £5 million.

Kovacic is the first player City has brought in this summer. Last season, City won the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup.

Kovacic said, “This is a great move for me, and I can’t wait to start with City.”

His arrival comes after the club announced that Ilkay Gundogan was going to Barcelona for free. Meanwhile, West Ham turned down a £90m deal from City for England midfielder Declan Rice, which is thought to have included an initial payment of £80m.

Kovacic added, “Anyone who has seen this team play under Pep Guardiola knows how good they are. I think they are the best in the world.” Everyone can see that they have won trophies, but they are also the best sports team out there.

“It’s a dream come true for any football player to join this team. I still have a lot to learn and improve, and I know that under Pep’s leadership, I can become a better player, which is very exciting to me.

“My plan now is to rest for a few weeks before going back to Manchester to get ready for the new season. I want this club to stay at the top and win more prizes with my help.

In August 2018, Kovacic moved from Real Madrid to Chelsea. At first, he was on loan, but then he signed a five-year deal.

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Last year, he played 37 times for the club, which had a rough season and ended 12th in the top flight.

Kovacic was on the Chelsea team that won the Champions League in 2021. He came in as a late replacement in the game against City, which Chelsea won 1-0.

Kovacic has played 95 times for Croatia at the international level. He played in every game as Croatia came third at the 2022 World Cup.

“It was an easy choice to bring him to City because he has the tactical and technical skills we want in a midfielder,” said Txiki Begiristain, City’s director of football.

“We have been keeping an eye on him for a long time, and every time we did, we were impressed.”