Jo joins City for record fee

July 2, 2008

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Brazilian striker Jo joined Manchester City from CSKA Moscow on Wednesday for what the English Premier League side said was a “club record” undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old forward, capped once by Brazil, signed a four-year contract and in the process became Mark Hughes's first major signing at Eastlands since he replaced Sven-Goran Eriksson as City manager.

Jo, full name Joao Alves de Assis Silva, is a left-footed forward who joined several fellow Brazilians at CSKA in 2006 when he moved from Corinthians.

It had been reported that City expected to pay around 19 million dollars (38 million dollars) for the striker, who scored 44 goals in 77 matches for the Russian club.

“I decided to come to Manchester City because it is one of the clubs who showed more interest in me, although I had other offers as well,” Jo said at a press conference announcing his signing.

“After I spoke to the manager (Hughes) I was very pleased.

“I was told Manchester City is a club going forward at the moment. We can go places, that is our objective. We thought about it and I decided to come to Manchester City for that reason.”

Jo added Valencia were City's main rivals for his signature. “The club who showed interest officially was Valencia,” he said. “I know from the press there were other clubs who showed interest.”

Hughes told the club's website, mcfc.co.uk: “He's a big talent and a young man with a big future.

“A lot has been said about him and there was a big expectation on him coming out of Brazil. So with the success he's had I think it's a real coup that we've been able to bring him to the club.

“He's a big guy, in stature and in ability, so I think everybody will enjoy watching him play.”

During his time with CSKA, Jo won the Russian league and cup double in 2006 and also made numerous Champions League appearances for the Moscow club.

Last season City finished ninth in the Premier League but that wasn't enough to prevent club chairman Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai premier, getting rid of the ex-England manager after what was widely agreed to have been a successful first year in charge at Eastlands for the Swedish boss.

Eriksson was replaced by former Wales and Blackburn Rovers manager Hughes last month.

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