Manchester United have officially announced that they have completed the signing of Italian defender Matteo Darmian from Torino. The 25-year-old signed a four-year contract with an option of an extension for another year.
The transfer fee was not disclosed by the club, but according to BBC Sport reports, it is likely to be around £12.7 million.
Darmian, who made his debut for Torino in 2011, featuring in 146 games and scoring five goals for the club, has 13 international caps for Italy. Darmian started for Italy in all the three games in the Fifa World Cup 2014 in Brazil.
"It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United. I have loved the time that I have spent at Torino and I would like to thank the club and the fans for everything they have done for me. I am sure they can understand when the opportunity to join the biggest club in world came along it was something I had to do. To work with Louis van Gaal, a manager that has achieved so much in football is such an exciting prospect," Darmian said in an interview to MUTV after completing his move to the Theatre of Dreams.
The official Twitter handle of the club posted a photo of Matteo Darmian sporting the Red Devils's jersey and the official website of United too confirmed the news on Saturday.
#mufc is pleased to announce Matteo Darmian has completed his transfer from Torino. More: http://t.co/ihtjDgDUTU pic.twitter.com/UOEPCbyNNW
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 11, 2015
United completed their second signing of the season after Memphis Depay, who was unveiled as a Manchester United player on Friday. United have also agreed a deal with Bayern Munich to rope in German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger. United boss Louis van Gaal was extremely delighted to announce the signing of Darmian on Saturday.
"Matteo is a right-sided full back with the versatility of also being able to play on the left. He is a strong defender and has the ability to go forward in the attacking positions which is a fantastic attribute to have and much needed in the fast rhythm of the Premier League.
"Matteo will be a great addition to the team. I am delighted to welcome Matteo to the club and look forward to working with him in the coming days," Van Gaal said in an interview to MUTV on Saturday.
