City announce Sylvinho signing
Sylvinho has signed a one year contract with the Blues. The 35 year old former Brazilian international was a free agent after being released at the end of last season by Barcelona. He wasn’t a regular for the European champions last season, but due to injuries and suspensions, he played the full 90 minutes of Barca’s Champions League victory over Manchester United. Prior to that he’s best remembered in this country for two seasons at Arsenal between 1999 and 2001.
It’s an unexpected signing as it was thought that one of the key factors in the pursuit of Lescott was his ability to provide cover for Bridge at left back. Northern Ireland left-back Ryan McGivern also impressed during pre-season. We’ll have to see whether the Academy graduate will now go out on loan for first team experience. The future is clearly bleak for Javier Garrido, whose agent has already spoken of finding a new club for the Spaniard.
“Sylvinho has a wealth of experience at the very top level, having represented Brazil and played for some of the very top clubs in Europe.
“When the chance presented itself to bring him to Manchester City as a free agent I saw it as representing excellent business for us. Sylvinho won the European Cup last season at Barcelona and he will strengthen our defensive options.”
Following the departures of Elano and Jo, our latest Brazilian will at least provide some company for Robinho. Whether he turns out to be this year’s Glauber Berti remains to be seen.
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