I'm a fighter, Otamendi tells Manchester City fans

The 27-year-old is unfazed by the prospect of competing with Vincent Kompany, Eliaquim Mangala and Martin Demichelis for a starting spot and stressed his battling qualities

 

Nicolas Otamendi has told Manchester City fans to expect a fighter who gives everything on the pitch after completing a move worth around €45 million (£31.7m) from Valencia on Thursday.

The Argentina international is City's fourth summer signing and first overseas arrival at the Etihad Stadium, though the club remain determined to add Wolfsburg playmaker Kevin De Bruyne to Manuel Pellegrini's squad before the transfer window shuts.

And as he prepares to battle Vincent Kompany, Eliaquim Mangala and Martin Demichelis for a starting spot at the heart of Pellegrini's defence, Otamendi - who watched from the stands as City demolished Premier League champions Chelsea 3-0 on Sunday - insists he is confident that supporters will quickly warm to him.

"On the pitch, I am a player with a lot of personality," he told City's official website. "I like to have all the lines well organised in defence to allow the midfielders and strikers to attack without worry. I like to keep defensive order in the team.

"With the important players we have in attack, it’s a big help to stay ordered at the back to avoid conceding goals. I am a player who loves fighting for every ball, I try to play hard to win every ball. That’s something basic for a defender. I give all I have in every game.

"Kompany is one of the best centre-backs in the world, Demichelis is here because he’s a great player, Mangala…. They are players that every team in the world would like to have and they are here.

"There will be a healthy competition to be in the starting XI, but that’s beautiful thing in football: you compete healthily with your team-mates.