Supporters gave the club's new signing a rapturous welcome before he had even kicked a ball, chanting his name repeatedly as he was presented to a sold-out crowd ahead of the 3-2 Carabao Cup win over West Bromwich Albion. Manager Matthias Jaissle, who had pushed hard for the deal, watched a midfielder he had wanted for weeks receive the kind of reception few new arrivals get on a cup night.
The 24-year-old from Manchester City, a product of Barcelona's La Masia academy, joins on a long-term contract and will wear the number six shirt, becoming Newcastle United's seventh senior addition of the summer. He said he had been struck by the noise generated by St James' Park even from the away end.
"I'm really happy to be here at this amazing club. I've only heard top words about the club and the city, so I'm really excited to live here and to be part of this project," González said.
"I love the black and white shirt already and I can't wait to start wearing it on the pitch for this club. I've experienced playing at St James' Park twice with Manchester City and it was really tough. The atmosphere was amazing and the fans are so passionate. I can't wait to experience that as a home player."
Jaissle described González as a rare blend of physical presence and composure on the ball.
"Nico is a really strong ball carrier — somebody who can drive the team forward while staying composed under pressure. He also brings discipline defensively, he reads the game well and his physicality makes him well suited to the Premier League," the head coach said. "Nico is a proven winner who has already played at some huge clubs in Europe's top leagues, but he's also still young and hungry to develop further. He is a fantastic addition to our squad."
Sporting director Ross Wilson said the club had refused to compromise on their profile for the position despite a lengthy pursuit.
"We've worked patiently on this transfer for a number of weeks. This was the one we wanted, and we're delighted to welcome Nico to Newcastle United this evening. He fits the exact criteria we set for this position and we weren't prepared to compromise on that," Wilson said.
"He's 24 years old, with an abundance of elite experience across Manchester City, FC Porto and Barcelona. He's already shown his quality in the Premier League and we're sure there is more to come here in a black and white shirt."