Ait-Nouri: I’m so proud to have joined City | OneFootball

Rayan Ait-Nouri says he is hugely proud and excited to have joined Manchester City and eager to learn from Pep Guardiola and his world class squad.

The Algerian left back put pen to paper on a five-year deal on Monday to become City’s first signing of the 2025 summer transfer window.

Having joined during the special 10-day window, opened ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, it means the 24-year-old will be eligible to play for City in the showpiece tournament which kicks off in the United States next weekend.

Ait-Nouri arrives at the Etihad already armed with extensive Premier League experience after spending the past five seasons at Wolves, where he has gone from strength to strength.

In that time, he has established himself as one of the most talented and promising young full-backs operating in the English game.

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In summing up the factors behind his decision to make the move to the Etihad, Ait-Nouri described the prospect of joining Pep Guardiola’s squad as an easy one to make.

“I am very, very happy and I’m very proud to join Manchester City and my family are very proud too,” Ait-Nouri said.

“For sure it is a very good day, and I can’t wait to play with the shirt.

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“It was an easy decision.

“To be honest, my choice was Manchester City in the beginning - what I said with my family, I want to play for this team - I like how they play. I am very happy to be here - it is a big pleasure for me.

“We know the team and they have shown the last few years they were the best team in the world.

“The players are amazing and the coach also – it will be a pleasure to train with Pep Guardiola.

“I can’t wait.

“I have come here to learn and show also what I can do, and I will give my best.”

Expanding on the reasons behind joining City, Ait-Nouri said the prospect of learning from and working under Guardiola was another key factor for him.

And he said the fact he already has extensive Premier League experience under his belt with Wolves will only help as he adjusts to life at City.

“I am very excited to work with Pep,” Rayan added.

“For me he is the best coach in the world. The football he has made with this team is incredible.

“For sure I am very excited.  I want to learn with him and to work with him and with my team-mates also.

“The most important thing is I will give everything for the shirt.

“It’s the same league and the same country, it’s not far – the weather is the same!

“[I think] It will be easier for me [to adapt] because I have been here for a long time in England.

“I know the league also.

“But for sure it will be a new challenge with amazing players and an amazing coach.

“I can’t wait to train with the team.”