Third-tier Chinese side Sichuan Jiuniu have become the seventh club to join Manchester City's global network
City Football Group (CFG), UBTECH and China Sports Capital have announced the joint purchase of the club, based in Chengdu, who play in the China League Two
It marks the end of City's owners' search for a project in China and extends their portfolio in the Asian market
Share this article Share City Football Group, UBTECH and China Sports Capital have announced a joint purchase of the China League Two sideTheir presence in China already includes offices in Shanghai and Shenzhen, commericial partnerships and community projects
They already have clubs based in New York, Australia, Japan, Spain and Uruguay. Chief executive Ferran Soriano said: 'Today marks an exciting new chapter in the growth of City Football Group
China is an extremely important football market, which we have been focused on for some time
'We are delighted to welcome Sichuan Jiuniu FC to our Group, alongside our partners, China Sports Capital and UBTECH
'We see this as a natural extension of our existing activities. 'We believe strongly in the future of football in China
We are making a long-term, sustainable commitment to grow and develop Sichuan Jiuniu FC and to nurture Chinese footballing talent
CITY FOOTBALL GROUP CLUBS Manchester City (England)New York City (USA)Melbourne City (Australia)Yokohama Marinos (Japan)Club Atletico Torque (Uruguay)Girona (Spain)Sichuan Jiuniu (China) 'These objectives are equally important
Our immediate focus will be strengthening our football performance, using all of our experience and know-how, forging a strong relationship with our fans and building a strong presence in the community
We cannot wait to get started.'James Zhou, founder and CEO of UBTECH, added: 'Today is an important moment for football in China
We all have a dream to develop Sichuan football and Chinese football. 'Sichuan Jiuniu Football Club was formed by the 2017 Sichuan National Games U20
'The team reflects the spirit of Sichuan football. It is very exciting for a young and promising team to join as a family
'CFG was established in May 2013 as a holding company under the ownership of Abu Dhabi United Group after City set up New York City FC
City's owners have made it their aim to own a team on each continent and acquired Melbourne Heat in January 2014, converting the club into Melbourne City FC
In May that year they invested in a minority share of Yokohama Marinos in Japan and then Uruguayan Primera Division side Club Atletico Torque in April 2017
They expanded into Spanish football in August 2017, becoming co-owners of La Liga side Girona
In 2017 CFG's assets totalled £678.208m, before the purchase of their latest venture in China
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