Antoine Semenyo's private Man City comments show Liverpool transfer claims in new light

Antoine Semenyo expressed his desire to only join Manchester City despite interest from Liverpool. The Ghanaian forward completed a £62.5million move to the Etihad Stadium on Friday after City opted to activate a release clause in his contract with former club Bournemouth.

Semenyo’s switch comes after a number of Premier League sides expressed their interest in him. Arsenal and Manchester United were both linked, while Liverpool were also tipped for a move.

Jamie Redknapp even backed him for a late switch to Anfield. But Semenyo eventually became a City player and club chief Hugo Viana has revealed that the forward only wanted to join Pep Guardiola’s side.

He said: “Antoine is a really exciting signing for the football club. He made it clear to us immediately that it was City he wanted to join. His enthusiasm for this football club has been clear throughout the process.

“He has huge quality. Two great feet, pace, power, a habit of influencing games and, importantly, real room for growth and development. I am excited to see the player Antoine can become in the weeks, months and years ahead.

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“We are constantly watching players all over the world. Antoine was the one we most wanted. He has shown he can perform in the Premier League. He is humble, hard-working, professional and totally focused on being a better footballer. He is ideal for us.”

Semenyo has also spoken out after his move was made official and claimed that a switch to the Etihad was ‘perfect’ for the next stage of his career.

He said: “I am so proud to have joined Manchester City. I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League as well as achieving amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.

“They have set the highest of standards and it’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep. I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It’s a real privilege to be here.

“My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that. And City are in a great position – still involved in four competitions. I really feel I can help them have a strong second half of the season. The Etihad is my new home. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans here and I hope to show everyone what I can do.”

He completed his deal a day after ex-Liverpool star Redknapp hinted that there could be a late twist to the saga. Speaking after Semenyo's final game for the Cherries, he said: "I'm not saying it's a Sky Sports breaking news moment, but all I'm saying is, I've heard tonight that it might not be the forgone conclusion that he's going to be having a medical at Man City. There might still be a little twist and I hope so.”