Antoine Semenyo says his “best football is still to come” after completing a move to Manchester City from Bournemouth for a fee in the region of £65million.
City met the 26-year-old’s release clause to prise him away from the Vitality Stadium and he has signed a contract until the summer of 2031.
“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” Semenyo told the club’s official website.
“They have set the highest of standards and it’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep [Guardiola].
“I have so much scope for improvement, 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 am sure of that.”
Semenyo made emotional exit from Bournemouth
Semenyo made 110 appearances for Bournemouth after joining from 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 made it clear to us immediately that it was City he wanted to join,” City director of football Hugo Viana said.
“He has huge quality. Two great feet, pace, power, a habit of influencing games and, importantly, real room for growth and development.
“We are constantly watching players all over the world. Antoine was the one we most wanted. He has shown he can perform in the Premier League. He is humble, hard-working, professional and totally focused on being a better footballer. He is ideal for us.”
I’m ready to attack the world – Semenyo
Semenyo, a Ghana international, has risen to the top in a different way to many Premier League players, with loan spells at the likes of Bath and Newport before breaking through at Bristol City.
He added: “I’ve had to be a strong character [to get here]. I feel like emotionally, mentally I’ve had to get really strong.
“I’ve had family and friends, my fiancé around me, keeping me uplifted and always pushing me.
“I’ve had to push myself quite a bit to get through a lot of troubled times, hard times.
“But it’s made me the man I am today. Strong, fearless and ready to attack the world. 100%.”
Semenyo, who will compete with Jeremy Doku for a place on the left wing, is available for tomorrow’s FA Cup tie with Exeter.