Elliot Anderson has wasted no time making his mark at Manchester City, declaring his new club the "kings of Manchester" in a pointed jab at cross-city rivals Manchester United — just days after completing a £116 million move from Nottingham Forest.

The England midfielder penned a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, with an option to extend by a further 12 months. The transfer was agreed earlier this month but officially wrapped up this week following Anderson's return from the FIFA World Cup, where he helped the Three Lions claim a third-place finish.

A club built to win

Anderson made no secret of his ambitions, describing himself as "over the moon" to be joining "one of the biggest clubs in the world." The 23-year-old stressed that silverware — not sentiment — drove his decision.

"I can't wait to play for this club," Anderson said. "It's a club built to win trophies and compete at the very top of the game. That is exciting for any footballer."

"I think they're winners, they're relentless, and that's the sort of team I want to be a part of. Over the last 10, 12 years, they've dominated, so that's why I wanted to join."

Derby day on the horizon

Anderson is already eyeing the Manchester derby, with City scheduled to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 13 — a fixture broadcast live on Sky Sports. Notably, Anderson had been a target for Manchester United earlier this summer before opting for their neighbours instead.

"It's one of the biggest derbies in the world and for as long as I've known Manchester, City have been the kings of Manchester," he said. "It'll be a great fixture, and I can't wait to be involved in something like that."

From Tyneside to the Etihad

Anderson came through the academy at Newcastle United, going on to make 55 first-team appearances for his boyhood club. An early loan spell at Bristol Rovers brought him national attention and earned him the nickname 'Geordie Maradona'.

He moved to Nottingham Forest two years ago in a £35 million deal, making 92 appearances for the Reds and cementing himself as one of the Championship's most dynamic midfielders. His performances also caught the eye of England manager Thomas Tuchel, who handed him his international debut last season — a call-up Anderson quickly justified by becoming a key figure in the side.

"I'm only 23, so I've got plenty of time to get to my best levels," he added. "I'm definitely not there yet and there's more to come from me. I think I bring a bit of everything — quality, physicality, energy. I'd like to think I'd get the fans excited, get them off their feet and bring energy to the team."