New signing Nico Gonzalez gets welcome message from Pep after a suspected hip injury cuts short his Man City debut.
New signing Nico Gonzalez got a taste of what it is like to play in England for the first time. However, his Manchester City debut was cut short as he was withdrawn due to a suspected hip issue.
The Spaniard was a deadline day addition for the defending Premier League champions. He was signed in a deal amounting to £50m from Porto.
He was given a start in Manchester City’s 4th Round FA Cup tie against Leyton Orient. While they had the worst start after going behind, but eventually held on to take the victory.
Nico appeared to go down clutching his lower back and was replaced by Bernardo Silva after a short talk with the medical team.
Speaking about the midfielder in the post-match presser, Guardiola gave a somewhat cryptic answer.
“I think Nico got immediately what is the Premier League and the referees,” Guardiola said after the game.
“I know without VAR it is more difficult because they are not used to it but there were one or two actions. I say that because we won, otherwise I would stay silent, but there was a clear penalty.
“I think he understood perfectly what England is. It’s a pity because I don’t know how hard the kick is but he could not continue.
“I don’t know how hard the shot was but he couldn’t continue.”
The extent of Nico’s injury is yet to be determined.