Manchester City complete Ayoub Bouaddi signing as midfielder pays heartfelt tribute to Lille

Manchester City have signed Ayoub Bouaddi from Lille on a five-year contract, with the French club’s former player saying goodbye in an emotional message to supporters.

The deal was announced by Manchester City on Wednesday through the club’s official website and will keep Bouaddi at the English club until 2031.

Several media reports have claimed that Manchester City paid €100m for the 18-year-old, although the club’s announcement did not state a fee.

After the move was confirmed, Bouaddi published a lengthy farewell message to Lille supporters on his official X account, expressing his deep gratitude to the club where he developed and began his professional career.

“Dear Lille supporters, it is never easy to say goodbye to you. Lille is where I grew up, where I learned, and where I experienced my first emotions at the highest level. From the youth academy to my first training sessions with the first team, from my first minutes wearing this shirt to the great European nights, every step will remain etched in my memory,” he wrote.

Bouaddi also thanked the people behind the scenes who had supported him during his time at the club.

“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this adventure: the coaches who gave me my opportunity, the technical and administrative staff, the medical team, the management and, more broadly, all the club’s employees. Each of them, in their own way, contributes to the club’s success every day and played an important role in my career,” he added, according to Foot Mercato.

The midfielder then paid tribute to his former team-mates and the role they played in his development.

“Thank you also to all my team-mates. I learned so much with you. Some of you were there when I was discovering the world of professional football and helped me find my place,” Bouaddi said.

He reflected on the experiences shared with Lille, including time spent in the dressing room, at training and during away matches.

“I will cherish all the moments we spent together in the dressing room, in training and in away matches, in the victories as well as during the difficult times. Finally, thank you to you, the supporters. Your support meant a great deal to me, and representing these colours in front of you was a great source of pride,” he wrote.

Bouaddi concluded by saying that his connection with Lille would endure after his departure.

“Today, I am leaving Lille with a deep sense of gratitude. Whatever shirt I wear next, Lille will always remain a part of me, and I will keep this club in my heart. Thank you for everything,” he said.

Bouaddi’s move brings an end to his time with Lille and begins his next chapter with Manchester City, who have committed to the player through the end of the 2030-31 season.

The subject and related news can also be discussed in greater depth on the Kooora forums.