Claudio Echeverri, the promising Argentine midfielder, has officially joined Manchester City from River Plate in a £12.5 million deal spanning four and a half years. The 19-year-old, who captained Argentina at the U17 World Cup, is currently on loan back to River Plate to continue his development before making his mark in the Premier League.

In an exclusive interview, Echeverri revealed that he sought advice from Sergio Aguero, Manchester City's legendary striker, before finalizing his move. Aguero, who is revered at Etihad Stadium for his remarkable contributions, provided Echeverri with valuable insights into the club's ethos and the opportunities it presents.

"I've spoken to Aguero, and I knew about the strong relationship between Argentina and Manchester City. Aguero stands out as a legend here, and his achievements are truly inspiring," Echeverri said. "He's not just a great player but also a role model for aspiring footballers like me."

Echeverri's journey to Manchester City has been a blend of talent and perseverance. Under the guidance of Martin Demichelis, he made his senior debut at River Plate in June 2023 and went on to score four goals in 48 appearances. His performances in the South American U20s Championship, where he led Argentina to a runners-up finish, further cemented his reputation as one of South America's brightest talents.

Speaking about his move, Echeverri expressed his excitement and determination: "Football has been my life, and playing for one of the best teams in Europe was always my dream. Manchester City is not just a club that wins trophies—they play the most beautiful football. They are an example to everyone, and I am proud to be part of this incredible team."

Echeverri is the 12th Argentine to sign for Manchester City, following in the footsteps of players like Julian Alvarez, who recently departed for Atletico Madrid in an £81 million transfer. City's director of football, Txiki Begiristain, praised Echeverri's potential: "Claudio is one of the finest talents from South America. His touch, technique, and dribbling ability are exceptional. We aim to shape him into a world-class player."

As Echeverri integrates into Pep Guardiola's squad, his focus remains on hard work and continuous improvement. "My family and I are proud to be here. I’m committed to giving my best in training to prove I belong in this team," he added.

With Manchester City's track record of nurturing talent, Echeverri's future looks promising, and fans are eager to see him thrive at the Etihad Stadium.