City complete Dzeko signing, Vieira plans to hang up his boots

MANCHESTER: Manchester City signed Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko from VfL Wolfsburg on Friday as the world’s richest club once again flexed their financial muscles to boost an assault on the Premier League title.

The 24-year-old has agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal, City said without disclosing the transfer fee although British media reported it was in the region of £30mil (US$46.34mil).

Dzeko’s prolific scoring record in the Bundesliga has made him one of Europe’s most sought-after players.

He finished top of the German league’s scoring charts last season with 22 goals and has 10 to his name this season playing for a mid-table team.

“It has been a long time that I have been linked with the club going back to last summer but Wolfsburg did not want to sell me until today,” Dzeko told City’s website (
www.mcfc.co.uk) after completing a medical.

After months of media speculation over a move to City, the striker said he was relishing the chance to help the club try to win their first league title since 1968.

“Everybody speaks about City having lots of money but it is not about that. It is about ambition and I have spoken to coach (Roberto) Mancini and he told me, `this is the best club for you’,” said Dzeko.

“City are playing for first place in the Premier League and that is what I want.”

Dzeko, who will wear the number 10 shirt, could make his debut at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Jan. 15.

Meanwhile, midfielder Patrick Vieira is considering retiring at the end of the season, the former France captain said yesterday.

“There is a 50 per cent chance (that I quit at the end of the season),” the 34-year-old Vieira, whose contract with the Premier League club expires in June, told L’Equipe magazine.

“I think Manchester City will be my last challenge. Calling it quits in June would not bother me. It will be an easy decision.”

Vieira, a commanding presence in a holding midfield role, appeared 107 times for France and helped them win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.

He started his professional career at Cannes in 1993.

“I accept the fact that it is almost the end (...) There is a past, wonderful memories, but it was before,” he said.

“If I had to do it again, I would not change anything.”