The France international makes the move to Manchester from Paris FC on a one-year deal, bringing with her a wealth of European domestic and Champions League experience.
The 30-year-old, who helped the French B team to 2019 Turkish Cup glory back in March, has plied her trade in her homeland throughout her career, enjoying her most successful spell at Paris Saint-Germain, where she helped Les Parisiennes to three consecutive top-two finishes between 2012 and 2015.
Now ready to embark on a new chapter with Nick Cushing’s side with a new language, league and culture, Benameur is excited for the challenge and thrilled to have signed for City on such an historic week for the Club, as we build up to Saturday’s first professional Manchester Derby.
“I’m very happy to be here. I’m delighted to sign for such a great club - it’s an honour for me,” said Benameur.
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“When my agent told me I was going to sign for City, I was very happy. Manchester City is a big club, with amazing facilities, amazing players and goalkeepers, such as Ederson. I’m a big fan of Ederson. I was so excited and curious to come and see what was waiting for me here.
“I hope to get more and more trophies. I want to help this team win everything and I’ll give my best each game.
“I’ve played for the French national team, and great clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Paris FC. I’ve learnt a lot. I think I can bring a lot of experience to this team and I want to share my experience with my team-mates, both on and off the pitch.
“As a player, I can say I’m very generous. I want to give all I have for the squad.
“I’m delighted to be here.”
Born in Bédarieux, Benameur started her career at youth level with Montpellier HSC, continuing her development at the CNFE Clairefontaine training centre.
She made the step-up to senior football with a move to AS Saint-Étienne in 2007, where she spent two years at the Club before a brief spell with Rodez AF and a switch to Toulouse FC.
Following a one-year return to Rodez AF, the goalkeeper then transferred to the capital, where she would enjoy seven years with Paris Saint-Germain and Paris FC.
Having progressed through the youth ranks at international level, Benameur also has five senior France caps to her name.
City manager Nick Cushing has now bolstered his squad further with his seventh signing of a busy summer, and hopes Benameur’s experience will help the English cup double winners to more silverware.
City kick-off the 2019/20 Super League campaign with a mouth-watering Manchester Derby, hosting Manchester United on Saturday 7 September at 3pm at the Etihad Stadium in the first encounter between the sides since the league was formed. Tickets are available and kids go FREE – witness history
