Antoine Semenyo says his ‘best football is yet to come’ after transfer to Manchester City Since Bournemouth for an amount of around £65 million.
City have met the 26-year-old’s release clause to keep him away from the Vitality Stadium and he has signed a contract until the summer of 2031.
“I’m so proud to have joined Manchester City,” Semenyo told the club’s official website.
“They have set the highest standards and this is a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers of all time in Pep. [Guardiola].
“I have so much room to improve, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It’s a real privilege to be here.
“My best football is yet to come, I’m sure.”
Semenyo left Bournemouth with emotion
Semenyo made 110 appearances for Bournemouth after joining Bristol City three years ago, the last of which saw him score the winner in the Cherries’ 3-2 win over Tottenham on Wednesday night.
“Antoine is a really exciting signing for the football club. He immediately made it clear to us that it was City he wanted to join,” said City director of football Hugo Viana.
“He has enormous qualities. Two good feet, pace, power, a habit of influencing matches and, above all, real room for growth and development.
“We are constantly monitoring players from all over the world. Antoine was the one we were looking for the most. He showed he can play in the Premier League. He is humble, hardworking, professional and totally focused on becoming a better footballer. He is ideal for us.”
I’m ready to attack the world – Semenyo
Semenyo, a Ghana international, rose to the top in a different way to many Premier League players, with loan spells at Bath and Newport before breaking through at Bristol City.
He added: “I had to be a strong character [to get here]. I feel like emotionally and mentally I had to get really strong.
“I had family and friends, my fiancé around me, who always lifted me up and pushed me.
“I had to try hard to get through a lot of tough times, tough times.
“But it made me the man I am today. Strong, fearless and ready to take on the world. 100%.”
Semenyo, who will compete with Jeremy Doku for a place on the left wing, is available for tomorrow’s FA Cup match with Exeter.
