Benjani finally makes it to City

AFP - 5 February 2008 21:59

Benjani Mwaruwari, pictured in 2007, finally became a Manchester City player on Tuesday after Portsmouth agreed to a cut-price fee of 3.87 million pounds for the Zimbabwean striker.

MANCHESTER (AFP) - Benjani Mwaruwari finally became a Manchester City player on Tuesday after Portsmouth agreed to a cut-price fee of 3.87 million pounds for the Zimbabwean striker.

Mwaruwari's future has been up in the air since January 31, the final day of the transfer window, after City tried to pull out of the deal because of concerns over the condition of one of Mwaruwari's knees.

Portsmouth called in the Premier League, arguing that the 29-year-old's move had already been completed, and the two clubs finally agreed a deal based on a reduced initial fee with additional payments subject to Mwaruwari playing regularly.

City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "I am delighted that we have signed such a quality player and I am looking forward to working with him straight away."

Portsmouth could end up receiving a substantially larger fee if the striker makes 75 senior appearances for City.