The 25-year-old has joined the English Premier League champions on a six-year deal and could make his debut in Saturday’s Community Shield against Leicester City DUBAI: Jack Grealish sent a special message of thanks to Manchester City fans in the UAE and across the Middle East, and promised he will give his all in every match for the club he joined for an English record transfer fee of $140 million. The 25-year-old midfielder has joined the English Premier League champions on a six-year deal from boyhood club Aston Villa, where made 213 appearances over the course of eight seasons, scoring 32 goals and assisting 43. In addition to being Aston Villa’s standout performer in recent seasons, Grealish has also impressed with the England national team, which reached the final of the Euro 2020 competition in July. Grealish, who made his Villa debut at City’s Etihad Stadium back in May 2014, will inherit the number 10 shirt, recently vacated by club legend Sergio Aguero. He is now in line to make his debut for the club in Saturday’s Charity Shield clash with Leicester City. “I am incredibly happy to have joined Manchester City. City are the best team in the country with a manager (Pep Guardiola) considered to be the best in the world, it’s a dream come true to be part of this club,” he said. “Over the past 10 seasons, they have won major trophies consistently,” Grealish added. “Pep coming here has taken them to the next level and the football this team plays is the most exciting in Europe. To play for Pep and learn from him is going to be special and it’s something any top footballer would want. “The facilities are amazing, and I honestly can’t wait to get started, meet everyone and get playing.” City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, called Grealish “an incredible talent” and said everyone at the club is delighted to welcome him to the Etihad. “Jack’s development over the past few seasons both for club and country has been plain for everybody to see,” he said. “His natural talent together with his commitment to improve as a player, has seen him become one of the most exciting attacking players in world football today. “I am certain that the fans are going to love seeing him in our team,” Begiristain added. “Pep loves the way he plays, and we all feel he is an ideal fit for Manchester City. Our style and his style are a perfect match. I’m excited to watch him over the coming years.” Topics: football soccer Premier league Man