Confirmed: Manchester City Midfielder Javi Garcia Joins Zenit St Petersburg

Manchester City have confirmed midfielder Javi Garcia's move to Russian Premier League club Zenit Saint Petersburg.

"Spanish midfielder Javi Garcia has left City to join Zenit St Petersburg on a permanent basis," a statement on the official City website read.

"Bringing an end to his two-year association with the club, the 27-year old links up with former Spurs manager André Villas-Boas at the Petrovsky Stadium," the statement adds.

Garcia joined the Citizens on the final day of the 2012 summer transfer window and made 71 appearances in all competitions for the Manchester club.

His performances for the reigning Premier League champions earned him a recall to the Spanish national squad for a friendly against Chile.

The 27-year-old midfielder played a key role for City in the 2012/13 season, and leaves England with a Premier League winners medal.

The Russian club also confirmed on their website that the Spaniard had passed his medical and has signed a contract that will keep in Russia at least till the summer of 2019.

"Zenit and Manchester City football clubs have reached an agreement for the transfer of Spanish midfielder Javi García to Zenit! García has already undergone a physical examination and will soon join the team," the Zenit official website stated.

"The contract with García lasts until the end of the 2018/2019 season, and the midfielder will play as number 21 in Zenit," the webside said.