The Argentine international follows Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph to the Etihad Stadium and will wear the no.30 shirt.
Recognised as one of the continent’s best central defenders, Otamendi leaves Valencia where his performances earned him a place in La Liga’s 2014/15 Team of the Season.
In the summer, the 27-year old was a teammate of Sergio Aguero, Martin Demichelis and Pablo Zabaleta as Argentina reached the Copa America final.
Although the Albiceleste were defeated by Chile on penalties, Nicolas was recognised for his excellent form throughout the competition with a place in the Team of the Tournament as his side conceded just three goals in their six games.
Otamendi said: “I am here to give my best, to fight game by game and push City to the highest peaks for as long as possible, and I wish we will be able to win several cups and titles.
“That’s the most important. To be here inside a club that looks so wonderful from the outside is a dream.”
Manager Manuel Pellegrini added: “Nicolas Otamendi was arguably the best defender in La Liga last season and so naturally I’m delighted to have added a player of his quality.
“He is an established international for one of the best nations in world football and I have no doubt that he has the right mentality to fit into a squad where he will find many familiar faces, including Eliaquim and Fernando who he played alongside in Portugal.
“As a footballer, Nicolas has all of the qualities to be a success in the Premier League – he’s strong, he’s excellent in the tackle and he’s very good technically.
“I am sure he will become another Argentine player our fans will enjoy watching.”
As his new manager alluded to, Otamendi’s signing reunites Fernando and Eliaquim Mangala with their former FC Porto teammate.
Nicolas won the Primeira Liga three times in his four years in Portugal, as well as the Europa League and the Portuguese Cup in 2011.
The Buenos Aires-born man started out on his career at Velez Sarsfield where he spent 15 years between 1995 and 2010.
During this 15-year association with Velez, Otamendi brought the 2009 Clausura to the Jose Amalfitani Stadium and was named in the 2009 South American Team of the Year – just one year after his senior debut in May 2008.
Earning his first senior international call-up from Diego Maradona in qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup, Nicolas made his debut against Panama as a 19-year old in a 3-1 win.
He has since gone on play 25 times for his nation, representing them in the 2010 World Cup.
Although he was omitted from the squad which reached the final in Brazil last year, he returned for the Copa America this summer and played all but one match in their run to the final, partnering Demichelis in the semi and the final.
With Willy Caballero and Bruno Zuculini already at the Club, the defender’s arrival means that City now have six Argentine players in the first-team squad.
Watch out for an exclusive CityTV interview with Nicolas coming up on mcfc.co.uk including the Blues’ new no.30’s first words as a City player.
Support the team as they aim to continue the 100% start to the season at our next home match in the Premier League against Watford on Saturday 29th August at 3pm. Make sure you don’t miss out on another memorable game at the newly-expanded Etihad Stadium and buy your tickets now or enjoy the game in the new 93:20 bar from £75.
Hospitality is also available – Experience the new Legends suite from £150 + VAT and enjoy a matchday like a Legend. To book, call our hospitality team on
