Elliot Anderson has been officially unveiled as a new Manchester City player.
The club announced a couple of weeks ago that they had reached an agreement to sign the midfielder from Nottingham Forest.
💰 Man City agree a deal for Elliot Anderson – and it’s a new club-record signing! But is he really worth the money?
But as he was out in North America with England for the World Cup, there was no opportunity for the club to unveil him, with his full focus on the tournament.
This evening, though, Manchester City have now published their first interview with the player.
And there is something that City fans ought to do if they’re to help Anderson feel at home quickly.
The Elliot Anderson chant Man City need to adopt
Anderson’s move is a real positive for City.
Last season, he had the most touches of any player in the Premier League, with 3,300. He also led the way on duels won (298), possessions won (306) and fouls won (80).
Anderson is both tidy on the ball and combative, and he does have all the tools to be a successful signing.
But the £116 million fee could bring about a bit of pressure.
That’s why it’s essential that he’s made to feel at home as quickly as possible – and City fans can aid that process.
Anderson has given his first club interview (via the Man City YouTube channel), and was asked about the ‘Geordie Maradona’ chant that has followed him since his time at Bristol Rovers.
He said: “Yeah, definitely. I think they started that and it sort of stuck everywhere I’ve been. It’s a really good one. It makes me happy when I hear it on the pitch. It gives me real confidence!”
The chant is simply to the tune of ‘Do the Conga’, with the lyrics ‘Du du du, Geordie Maradona, Du du du, Geordie Maradona, Du du du, Geordie Maradona‘.
Anderson endeared himself to Bristol Rovers fans during his loan spell there, and it has followed him since, with both Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest fans also singing it to him on matchdays.
Anderson’s Man United jibe
Anderson comes across very mature and self-assured in his interview.
And there was one moment that is likely to go down very well with the fans, as he spoke about the Manchester Derby.
He said: “It’s one of the biggest derbies in the world. For as long as I’ve known Manchester, City have been the kings of Manchester. It’ll be a great fixture and I can’t wait to be involved in something like that.”
Of course, Manchester United showed interest in Anderson before the midfielder wisely chose the blue side.
