Manchester City new boy Claudio Echeverri is hoping to build on the strong links between the club and Argentina after speaking two of his countrymen after life at the Etihad.
The 19-year-old signed for City for £12.5million last year but he was loaned back to River Plate for the 2024 season, which ended in December. He then represented Argentina at the under-20 South American championships and will finally link up with his new club teammates this week.
He could even be in line for a debut against Plymouth Argyle in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, but the midfielder is keen to make a long-term impact at the Etihad, having sounded out two Argentines about the club before agreeing his transfer.
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"I’ve spoken to Agüero. I also talked to Martín Demichelis," he said. "They told me it was a great club with amazing players and a beautiful history. They encouraged me to come here and enjoy it.
"I knew about [the links with Argentina]. Agüero, in particular, stands out. He’s a legend here at Manchester City because of everything he achieved and the incredible player he was. I used to watch him play, and honestly, it’s an amazing feeling to be here.
"Yes, I think so [there is a special connection between City and Argentina], especially because of the players who have come here and done really well—Kun Agüero, Julián Álvarez, Zabaleta... They are all very important players who have played here. I’m at a great club with a lot of history.”
Echeverri has watched plenty of City games since making his move and namechecked Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland as two he is particularly keen to link up with and also compared himself to the wide threat of Doku and Savinho.
"I’ve watched them [Jeremy Doku and Savinho] play. I’m a big fan of Doku," he said. As I said, I see myself in them. They’re very dynamic players, as we say in Argentina, “very spicy” with the ball. They always take on defenders and go forward every time they get the ball. The way they play is something to admire.
"As I said, I’m a big fan of Doku and also Haaland. They are incredible players. I think I will learn a lot from them. They can teach me and motivate me a lot.”
Echeverri describes his own style of play as someone who likes to "attack, go forward and dribble" and adds that he likes to take on defenders. He is set to train with City for the first time on Thursday and is looking forward to working under Pep Guardiola.
"I’m really looking forward to training with him. Being coached by someone like him, one of the greatest managers in the world, makes me very happy," he said.
"Right now, I just want to prepare well and be able to play. Hopefully, I get the chance to train and learn. When my opportunity comes, I want to show that I can do really well.”
