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Pep Guardiola's team won Premier League titles, Champions League, and FA Cup, becoming the second English team to achieve the feat.

"It's a great move for me, and I can't wait to start with City," Kovacic said. "Anyone who's seen this team under Pep knows how good they are. To me, they are the best in the world.

"Everyone can see the trophy they won, but they are also the best soccer team. Joining this team is a real dream for all soccer players.''


Kovacic will add depth in midfield with a signature the day after Ilkay Gundogan agreed to join Barcelona on a free transfer, ending his seven-year stay at trophy-laden City.

Kovacic previously played for Inter and Real Madrid. He was part of Madrid's squad, which won three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 18.

He is among the many expected departures from Chelsea this summer.

N'Golo Kante (Al-Etihad) and Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal) have left for Saudi Arabia, while Kai Havertz and Mason Mount remain targets for Arsenal and Manchester United, respectively.

Kovacic has scored six goals in 227 appearances for Chelsea. As well as the Champions League, he won the Europa League, the Super Cup, and the Club World Cup.

"He can play six or eight times, he has a lot of experience at the top level clubs and he understands the Premier League. It was a very simple decision to bring him to City because he has the tactical and technical qualities we are looking for in midfield," City's football manager Txiki Begirstain said.

"He's someone we've been observing for a long time and he's always impressed whenever we see him.