Dutch International midfielder Nigel De Jong has left Manchester City for AC Milan in a transfer reported in Italy to have commanded a £3.5 to £5 million fee…
The 27 year old combative World Cup Finalist had entered the last year of his City contract and had declined to sign a contract offer from The Champions. In a whirlwind of activity yesterday the man who made only 11 league starts for The Blues last season headed south.
A clearly delighted Milan confirmed:
‘Nigel De Jong, much to the satisfaction of the Milan faithful, is now one of our players. Milan is now ready for the 2012/2013 season. With 61 appearances for the Dutch national side, De Jong, a member of the side that finished second to Spain in South Africa, is an established international.’
City have yet to release a statement. However, Roberto Mancini said:
“I am sorry because Nigel was an important player for us but if he is happy, I am happy for him. I am sure he will do really well in the Italian championship.”
Without a doubt, De Jong became immensely popular amongst the City faithful following his £18 million transfer from Hamburg over three years ago but had fallen down the pecking order as City evolved into a serious attacking force. He put in some memorable shifts, most notably in the 2011 FA Cup Final win.
Reaction to the transfer across Planet Blue is generally one of being sad to see the player go mixed with bewilderment at the club’s ongoing transfer strategy which is going down to the wire. There is a degree of discontent that City have done business once again with Milan following Kakagate.
Everyone at VMC wishes Nige all the very best.
Nigel De Jong City Factfile:
Age: 27
Signed from Hamburg: January 2009
City League and Cup Appearances: 137 including 21 as sub.
Goals: 2
CITY NEWS:
The Transfer Window closes at 23h00 BST tonight after Brian Marwood puts the cat out. We’ll bring you confirmation of signings and departures on VMC as the club confirm what the stories are.
City have drawn Aston Villa at home in the third round of The Capital One League Cup. The tie will be played week commencing 24 September.
Joe Hart, Joleon Lescott and James Milner have been called up to the England squad for the World Cup Qualifying matches against Moldova and Ukraine.
UPDATED UPCOMING FIXTURES:
all times East Manchester
Sa 01 Sep 17h30 QPR, The Etihad, PL
Sa 15 Sep 15h00 Stoke, The Britannia Stadium, PL
Tu 18 Sep 19h45 Real Madrid, The Bernabeu, CL
Su 23 Sep 16h00 Arsenal, The Etihad, PL
TBC Aston Villa, The Etihad, LC3
Sa 29 Sep 15h00 Fulham, Craven Cottage, PL
We 03 Oct 19h45 Borussia Dortmund, The Etihad, PL
Sa 06 Oct 12h45 Sunderland, The Etihad, PL
Sa 20 Oct 15h00 West Brom, The Hawthorns, PL
We 24 Oct 19h45 Ajax, Amsterdam Arena, CL
Sa 27 Oct 17h30 Swansea City, The Etihad, PL
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