Rodwell completes Man City switch

Rodwell completes Man City switch

Published Aug. 13, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

Midfielder Jack Rodwell has completed his switch from Everton to Manchester City.

Rodwell came through a medical as his new team-mates were defeating Chelsea in the Community Shield and has signed a five-year contract.

Although the fee was undisclosed, it is believed to be in the region of £12million.

There are a number of add-ons as part of the contract, which could eventually push that fee up towards £15m.

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Rodwell will wear the number 17 shirt vacated by Jerome Boateng when he joined Bayern Munich last year.

The 21-year-old will have little chance to get to know most of his new team-mates though, as he will immediately join up with the England squad for Wednesday's friendly with Italy in Berne.

"I relish the opportunity of playing with some of the best players in the world and continuing my development," Rodwell told www.mcfc.co.uk

Rodwell has been earmarked as a player of promise for some time. Unfortunately his career has stalled due to a succession of injuries that have hampered his progress and meant he goes into this week's game with just two international caps to his name.

However, he has played a full part in Everton's pre-season programme after being forced to miss the Olympics and will hope to be involved on Sunday when City open their Premier League defence against Southampton at the Etihad Stadium.

"The hard work starts today as I start to help contribute to the club winning more silverware," said Rodwell.

"The season has started really well with the Community Shield win."

Not that Rodwell will be getting carried away on the words of manager Roberto Mancini, who has warned his newest recruit not to expect too much too soon.

"He is a good player," said Mancini.

"He is young and this is the first time he is at a club that plays to win. It will be different for him.

"But in a couple of years I am sure he will be a top and stronger midfielder."

Rodwell's arrival comes just 48 hours after Mancini vented his frustration at sporting director Brian Marwood over the lack of new arrivals this summer.

"I said I was unhappy (on Friday)," he said.

"It is normal. Every manager is unhappy with one week to go and you haven't bought any players.

"I hope we are working and maybe this week or in 10 days we can do something about it."

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