Claudio Echeverri has sent an emotional message to River Plate ahead of his move to Manchester City.
At the start of this year, the Citizens agreed a deal with the Argentine club and offered him a deal until 2028. In the same window, Pep Guardiola’s side allowed him to return to River Plate on a loan deal until the end of this month.
Echeverri, who will turn 19 years of age on January 2nd, will arrive at Manchester City next month. He gave an interview to River Plate’s official channel and his comments are relayed by TyC Sports.
The Argentina U23 international joined the club’s academy in 2017 and made his way into their first team in 2023. His performances had attracted interest from European clubs and Manchester City won the battle in the end.
Echeverri is pleased to have represented River Plate and hopes to return to the club at some point in the future.
“I wanted to thank you for the support I have always had since I was a kid, in the club where my videos began to be known, I wanted to thank you for the affection with me and my family, grateful to River, with you, with the club, the people who work at the club,” he said.
“It’s something unique, very nice to be here, to play for River when I was so young, at the age of 17, when I was lucky enough to make my debut. Thank you for always being with us, the stadium is full every game and I hope I can return soon.”
The Manchester City owned player also took to social media to say goodbye to River Plate and their supporters.
“Today I have to say goodbye to the club of my life, the one I joined at a very young age with a lot of dreams to fulfil,” Echeverri explained.
“River became my second home, the club that formed me not only as a professional but also as a person. I want to thank the fans, teammates, coaching staff, leaders and people who work at the club for all these years. Also, to my family and friends, none of this would have been the same without them.”
“I’m going to miss them and I’m going to continue being another fan wherever I have to be. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and see you soon.”
Echeverri managed four goals and eight assists from 48 appearances for River Plate’s first team.
