Nicolas Otamendi has left Manchester City to join Portuguese side Benfica on a permanent deal.
The 32-year-old joined the cityzens back in 2015 and has gone on to make 210 appearances scoring 11 goals in the process.
The Argentinian international joined man city from Valencia after his performances there confirmed that he would be the right partner of Vicente Kompany at the Etihad.
Otamendi leaves England with two premier league titles, four league cups, two fa cups, and two community shields to his name.
Despite finding game time hard to come by under Pep, Nicolas doesn’t leave with a heavy heart, and he thanked everybody that made his stay at the Etihad at a comfortable one. “They were five wonderful years, not just in a footballing sense, but also at a club where they treat you in the best way possible, from the chefs to the kit men, through to the backroom staff,” he told the city website. “I’ve had the opportunity to win two Premier League titles, the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup and the Community Shield. If you win titles, it is because you are doing things well, and so I’m happy to have enjoyed these moments. I am more than grateful.”
“I was lucky enough since the first year I arrived to win a trophy, and later with the arrival of Pep to win even more. I am just happy to have played my part, with the support of my teammates and the staff.
Otamendi who will now be plying his trade in Portugal thanked man city fans for always treating him well and also wished them to always be happy as the success keeps coming. “I [also] wanted to show my gratitude [to the fans]. Since my arrival they have always treated me well, from the people who bump into me in a service station or in a supermarket, they have always been so kind, saying nice things to me.” Otamendi told mancity.com.
“I hope they are happy; I gave everything I could to the club, and I hope the success keeps coming. I send all my love to the fans.”
