New Manchester City signing Jerome Boateng admits Roberto Mancini's plans for the club persuaded him on a move to Eastlands. The 21-year-old moves to City on a five-year deal from Hamburg, and will meet up with the squad after competing in this summer's World Cup with Germany.
"I am really looking forward to the World Cup and then to joining City," he told the club's official website.
"I spoke at length with Roberto Mancini and he impressed me with his plans for the team in the coming seasons. It was a very good conversation.
"And I know about City from when Hamburg played here in the Uefa Cup. I played in the second leg which we lost but won on aggregate on the way to the semi-finals.
"I learned that night about the passion and commitment of the City fans. They made it very hard for us and got behind the side in a great way."
Current City player Vincent Kompany was a team-mate of Boateng's at HSV, and had a role in the new signings arrival.
"He told me of the strength of the English game, the passion of the fans and like the coach he spoke of the vision of the club to win trophies," Boateng added.
"I can't wait to work with so many top players and show what I can do and become a better player.
"I believe my strengths are my pace and reading of the game.
"I can play at full-back on either side but I prefer the central defensive position."
