‘I felt like a kid again’ – Dias | OneFootball

Ruben Dias says City’s new signings in January and over the summer have lit a much-needed new spark within the squad.

With four arrivals in January and a further four in the summer, Dias believes there is a new hunger and expectation among the players, providing the perfect impetus as the new campaign gets under way.

And he believes it will lead to many more successes for the club in the months and years to come.

“I think it's part of any renewal of a squad,” said Dias.

“New energy, new players. I remember even saying to Tijjani before the game (against Wolves) - and I felt thrilled just by saying it - 'My friend, welcome to the Premier League, you're going to enjoy it.’

“Because this is the level. This is the dream for everyone. Whoever they might be, if you're a footballer, a top one, and you have ambition and you want to be at the top, this is where you want to end up.

“Even though I've just started my sixth season, just saying that to Tijjani made me feel like a young kid that just came in as well.

WATCH: Dias on his love for Manchester

“And I kind of shared the feeling of being new to all this. That's the kind of feeling that keeps you winning, keeps you hungry, keeps you focused.

“Between many other things, that's one of the little details that make the whole difference at the end in which we have to build on.”

With a new four-year contract extension penned, the Portuguese says his focus now is on getting City back to winning ways.

By the standards set in previous seasons, the 2024/25 campaign was largely disappointing, with the Community Shield our only silverware of note.

But Dias believes along with the renewed energy and hunger, there is also a burning desire to help the club return to challenging – and winning – major trophies once again.

WATCH: Dias: City is the perfect place to be

“[Our focus?] I mean win, win, win trophies. We want to win. We want to perform well. We want to leave our stamp on every game,” he said.

“But we want to win. That's why I saw this as the only decision and that's why I really wanted to stay here and that's why I look forward to it.

“That's why my eyes shine when I think of all the circumstances because this is the only thing that makes sense and it's the only way. And I'm doing it.”