Ruben Dias Reveals He ‘Couldn’t Turn Down’ 6-Year Deal With Manchester City

Manchester City recently signed Benfica defender Ruben Dias for an estimated $83 million. The 23-year-old defender shared that this was one of the biggest decisions he’s made in his life.

“To have the opportunity to join a club like Manchester City is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I couldn’t turn down,” Dias said, The Guardian reported.

Throughout Dias’ career, he’s been a consistent contributor on the field with his excellent defense. In 137 games with Benfica, he’s scored 12 times and tallied six assists. He has also appeared in 33 games in the latest Liga Nos where he served as the starting center back.

“Their success speaks for itself. They have been the dominant team in England over the last few years, playing an attacking brand of football which I feel suits my own game,” Dias continued.

Dias has served as Benfica’s captain and has developed as a leader on and off the field. Manager Pep Guardiola can utilize his willingness to learn to the club’s advantage in the near future.

“It is really exciting to be part of such a talented squad and to play for a world-class manager like Pep Guardiola, who has a proven track record of developing young players like myself. I believe I can improve here, at a club whose ambitions match my own and I will give everything to be successful and win titles,” Dias emphasized.

The opportunity to play in the highest level of football drives Dias to give it his all for his new team. Despite Benfica being perceived as a lower-ranked club than the Sky Blues, he pointed out that his mentality to win remains the same.

“Now the challenge is bigger but that is what I want and where I want to be. I am expecting it [playing in the Premier League] to be the reason why I wanted to be a football player,” Dias added.

Having someone like Dias’ attributes and attitude is just what the top management of Manchester City is looking for.

“He is strong in the air, good in one v one situations and technically, he is very good, so we are confident he can thrive in our system. He is another talented addition to the squad and someone who is only going to get better working under Pep,” sporting director Txiki Begiristain said.

Manchester City is set to play against Burnley on Wednesday.