The former Arsenal and Barcelona wing-back spoke positively about joining City.
“It’s a good time to be here. It’s an exciting time for the club. I’m really proud to be here again, in the Premier League.
“When I played for Arsenal it improved my game a lot. When you come to the Premier League you improve and play better. I think it will help me again.
“I know I can help with the team and I know they can help me. I know I can help, but I’m not thinking about the first team. I’m just going to do my work and that’s it.
“I could play maybe four or five years more. You never know.”
“I have a contract for a year, so I am very happy. I will just try to help the team. It’s a good time to be here at this club. I will help to make the club even bigger than they are.
“I believe in the project and I believe in the coach. I believe we can do a lot of things in the future.”
Sylvinho on Wikipedia
Sylvinho has signed a one year contract with the Blues. The 35 year old former Brazilian international was a free agent after being released at the end of last season by Barcelona. He wasn’t a regular for the European champions last season, but due to injuries and suspensions, he played the full 90 minutes of Barca’s Champions League victory over Manchester United. Prior to that he’s best remembered in this country for two seasons at Arsenal between 1999 and 2001.
It’s an unexpected signing as it was thought that one of the key factors in the pursuit of Lescott was his ability to provide cover for Bridge at left back. Northern Ireland left-back Ryan McGivern also impressed during pre-season. We’ll have to see whether the Academy graduate will now go out on loan for first team experience. The future is clearly bleak for Javier Garrido, whose agent has already spoken of finding a new club for the Spaniard.
Mark Hughes on Sylvinho:
“Sylvinho has a wealth of experience at the very top level, having represented Brazil and played for some of the very top clubs in Europe.
“When the chance presented itself to bring him to Manchester City as a free agent I saw it as representing excellent business for us. Sylvinho won the European Cup last season at Barcelona and he will strengthen our defensive options.”
Following the departures of Elano and Jo, our latest Brazilian will at least provide some company for Robinho. Whether he turns out to be this year’s Glauber Berti remains to be seen.
Links:
Wikipedia profile
Youtube
While all the attention is on Joleon Lescott’s imminent arrival, City have now been linked with the Brazilian left-back Sylvinho. The former Arsenal left-back is available on a free transfer after being released by Barcelona. Discussions about the signing are believed to have taken place when City were in Spain last week.
The 35 year old’s last competitive game was in Barcelona’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the Champions League final.