Manchester City had a secret message accompanying the announcement of new prodigy Claudio Echeverri.
On January 25, City splashed out on Echeverri from River Plate in a deal worth £12.5million plus add-ons.
The 18-year-old has been loaned back to the Argentine side to continue his development while City’s announcement was picked up on by eagle-eyed fans.
City’s official X-Spanish account made the announcement of River’s signing at a very opportune time.
After a post published at 9:12 a. m. , some were quick to decipher that it was a reference to the 2018 Copa Libertadores final.
Using time as a date, it is reminiscent of December 9, 2018, when River Plate beat arch-rivals Boca Juniors 3-1 in the second leg of the final.
That saw River come away with a sensational 5-3 on aggregate after the first leg ended 2-2.
This may simply be a way to gain new followers in Argentina after discovering one of their emerging talents.
Echeverri will spend the rest of the season at River after signing for City earlier this month.
The youngster has been considered a potential long-term superstar and can play on the left or in the attacking midfield.
He has also earned the nickname El Diablito, which means little devil in Spanish, and is a homage to his near-namesake Marco Etcheverry.
The Bolivian is considered the most productive player of all time to come from the South American country and there are clear comparisons between the two.
Like Etcheverry, City’s new star is renowned for his dribbling, speed and accuracy in his shots.
The youngster is the Etihad’s first signing of January, while much more is expected from the Premier League champions this month.
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