The kid grew up surrounded by hardship, became a local hero and reached the Premier League and worldwide recognition the hard way. Now, he chose to join the best team in the country. Kalvin Phillips signed a six-year contract with Manchester City following a $55 million move from Leeds United.🗣 “I just wanted to test myself on the next step.”Kalvin Phillips’ first interview as a Manchester City player pic.twitter.com/zrAchaKdLP— Football Daily (@footballdaily) July 4, 2022 The England midfielder arrives to the Etihad to replace the departed Fernandinho, the Brazilian who’d starred for the club for nine years. He’ll have to raise his game and deliver consistent performances to justify big money invested in his transfer.Phillips is a boyhood Leeds fan who had been at the club since he was 14 and made 235 appearances for the Yorkshire club, scoring 14 goals. He was also an integral part of Gareth Southgate’s England side that reached the final of Euro 2020 last year and has 23 international caps. ##NAJAVA_MECA_6483438##On his departure from Elland Road, Phillips shared a heartfelt letter with Leeds fans on social media, thanking the club and describing it as a ‘privilege’ to have played for them. He also singled out former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, hailing him as the best manager he’s ever seen. But the time has come to move on.”City proved to be the best team in the country with an amazing squad and a manager in Pep Guardiola who is rightly considered the finest in the world. To be able to play under Pep and learn from him and his coaching staff, as well as be part of such a fantastic squad, is a prospect that I am incredibly excited about. City is a world-class club with world-class staff and facilities, and it’s a dream come true to have joined the club.”“dear leeds united, my home and my team…” – from @Kalvinphillips insta pic.twitter.com/mQpm7NY2nK— ellie may (@ellufc) July 4, 2022 Leeds are left to try and use the money sensibly and avoid worrying about their Premier League survival for another year. Phillips will no longer have to worry about that. Whatever happens in the next few years, City aren’t likely to be involved in a relegation fight. That’s reassuring, isn’t it?
