Johnson joins the Blues

Manchester City have just confirmed the signing of Middlesborough winger Adam Johnson on a 4 1/2 year deal for an undisclosed fee. He goes straight into the squad for Saturdays class with Hull City. 

Roberto Mancini told www.mcfc.co.uk: “We are delighted that Adam has chosen to come here. He is a very good player with fantastic potential, and as a club we are always keen to sign British talent.”

Robinho a Happy Blue

Robinho has moved to squash rumours about his Manchester City future by stating his desire be at the club for many years to come. Speaking to BBC Sport Robbie is quoted as saying

“I am very happy here. I think I [will] stay here five years or 10 years, I don’t know,” he told Football Focus.

“My family is very happy, the fans love me and I love the fans.”

Robbie has been a bit part player so far this season after picking up an injury while on International duty is now on his way back to match fitness and will have a big part to play over the coming months as City make push for the top four. City who have missed the little Brazilian during a run of 7 draws on the bounce finally ended that run with impressive wins over Arsenal the Carling Cup and Chelsea in the League last time out.

Mark Hughes has also commented on Robinho’s future in his Friday press conference “I’ve been saying that for quite some time as well,”

“But not many people wanted to believe me when I said it!

“I knew that was his feelings. He’s very happy. When you see him around the place he’s always got a smile on his face.

“He’s playing alongside good players in a good team and he’s very happy with life in Manchester.”

Lescott Finally Signs For Manchester City

It as finally been confirmed by Manchester City that Joleon Lescott has joined the club on a five year contract bringing an end to the longest running transfer saga of the summer.

Mark Hughes is delighted to have finally got his man saying:  ‘I am absolutely delighted to welcome Joleon to Manchester City. He is an England international who has proved his Premier League ability during his time at Everton.

‘In bringing Joleon to the Club I feel we have recruited a defender of the very highest quality. He can play in a number of defensive positions, and I`m positive he will make a significant impact for us.’

Lescott who has had a rough couple of weeks at Everton after officially handing a written transfer request, which was turned down by David Moyes and then been forced to train on his own, is also said to be delight at joining the blue revolution. He told the clubs official website: ‘I’m over the moon to get the move completed, and I’m looking forward to training with the lads as I’ve not trained for a few days.

‘I know some of the lads already – I’m close friends with Shaun, we’ve played against each other since we were 16 or 17. The way this club is moving on, I’m really looking forward to being a part of that.’

It is likely Lescott will get his first taste of action on Thursday as City take on Crystal Palace in the second round of the League Cup away at Selhurst Park.

City Win United Lose

Manchester City have beaten the European Champions Barcelona 1 -0 in a friendly at the Nou Camp also on the same night Manchester United were humbled at Premier League new boys Burnley by the same score.

City’s win in front of 94000 people came courtesy of a magnificent team goal scored by Martin Petrov who is looking to force his way into the managers starting eleven.

Barcelona Game Streamed Live

Manchester City have announced the Barcelona Vs Manchester City game on Wednesday 19th August, Kick Off 21:15 will streamed live on the club official website www.mcfc.co.uk

City Take On European Champions

 
Barcelona Vs Manchester City

Nou Camp

Wednesday 19th August

kick Off 21:15

While most of the Premier League have a competitive games this week, City have arranged a trip to the Nou Camp to take on Barcelona. Although I am not sure how seriously this will be taken, seen as the season has now got underway it is still a game I am very much looking forward to see how City compete against the European Champions.

After the fantastic start to the season on Saturday against Blackburn this game is an important step to reaching match fitness for many of the players and I am sure Mark Hughes will make a few changes to give some of the players that missed out at weekend a chance to see some action. I would expect to see the likes of Zabaleta, Tevez, Onuoha etc on the field.

Mark Hughes has a very difficult job this season trying to keep all his stars happy, we have a large squad and with no European football it will be difficult keeping players who are spending a lot of time sitting on the bench happy. We have already seen Martin Petrov voice his concern at what he thinks will be a lack of first team football this season.

Blackburn Rovers V Manchester City

After all the hype and newspaper column inches written over the summer about Manchester City, all eyes were firmly on Manchester City to see if a team which only contained one player from the 08/09 season opener could gel and get of to a good start. I’m sure most of football wants them to fail for whatever reason and sure a lot of people would have been disappointed with the result.

City got of to a dream start with Adebayor hitting the back of the net within three minutes, it was a fantastically worked goal with Adebayor starting the move by stealing the ball in the centre of the park and playing the ball out wide to SWP. SWP cut back in field and played perfectly weighted ball into Adebayor who stuck the ball home from just outside the area. Shay Given was in top form as he made several top quality saves leading upto half time. Blackburn also had a penalty appeal for hand ball turned down, which would have been very harsh had it been awarded.

City made sure of the result in the last few minutes when Stephen Ireland was played in, he looked as though he had squandered the opportunity as he tried to go round the keeper but he kept his cool and slotted the ball inside the near post.

This may not have been the best performance since Hughes took over but it was a very professional display. They got off to the perfect start and showed a lot of character when under the cosh approaching half time. They say it’s a sign of a quality team when you don’t play your best but get a result. This was a perfect start to what could be a historical year for the club.

Hughes Not Giving Up On Lescott

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is refusing give up the chase for Everton defender Joleon Lescott despite his transfer request being turned down by the Merseyside club.

City have spent the summer chasing the 26 year old who have already had two bids for the player rejected by the Toffees with David Moyes still insisting that none of his top players will be leaving the club this summer.

Even with this knowledge Mark Hughes is still hopeful a deal can be done. Speaking at his latest press conference on Thursday he said “We’re looking to strengthen the defensive options that we have.

“We are still trying to speak to the people who will ultimately make the decision over whether the deal continues.

“Those conversations are still to take place but how long they will still be active is open to debate,”

It appears the key to this deal lies with David Moyes, does he keep hold of player who clearly wants to move on? or does he take the money and run?

Santa Cruz To Miss Season Opener

Mark Hughes has today confirmed that Roque Santa Cruz will miss the opening weeks of the season and doesn’t expect to see him in a City shirt until the end of August.

Speaking to the clubs official Website Hughes said:

“We knew Roque would have a period of rehabilitation when we signed him, but we have good options up front.”

“If we can, we want to give him the time he really needs, rather than getting him back early and having him at 70%.

“Rather than bring him back too soon I would rather give him the time that he needs. We are hoping by the end of the month he will be available.”

In other words what Hughes is really saying is we now have that many top quality strikers at the club there is no need for him to rush, just take all the time you need Roque.

The Paraguayan striker who joined the club from Blackburn in a deal worth around 17M this summer has not played any part in Manchester City’s pre season. Once the former Blackburn striker comes into contention City will boast one of the strongest attacking squads in the country.

Joleon Lescott Still Hopeful Of Joining City

Latest reports suggest that Joleon Lescott is still hopeful of joining Manchester City in time for the new season opener against Blackburn this Saturday.

Sky Sports News are reporting that Joleon Lescott still wants to have the opportunity to talk with City and hopes an agreement can be reached. With Everton fans now calling for Lescott to leave and for the club to take the money on offer after he handed in a written transfer request on Tuesday.

It has also been suggested that Manchester City are preparing to launch one final bid for the Everton defender now he has declared his interest in joining the club.