Bianchi insists he is happy at City

Last updated : 31 December 2007 By Ben Collins
Quotes attributed to Bianchi first appeared in the Italian press claiming he had not settled in England and wanted to return to Italy.

But, apparently speaking in English, the 24-year-old has told the City website he is does not intend to go anywhere in January.

"The truth is that I want to stay here at Manchester City," he said. "I like the club, I like the fans and I like living in Manchester.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world and this is where I want to play my football.

"I don't know where these stories have come from because I want to win things for Manchester City, and it would be fantastic if we could qualify for next season's Champions League."

Bianchi was Sven's first signing since taking charge of the Blues last summer, joining from Reggina for £8.8m after scoring 18 goals in 37 Serie A games last season.

The Italian U21 international scored on his City debut but then fell out of favour and was first linked with a return to Italy earlier this month in a swap deal with Inter Milan star Adriano.

But Bianchi has made a superb response, earning a recall to the starting line-up after scoring as a sub at Spurs and going on to score 3 in 3.

"I like the football here in England and I know I can add more goals for the team," he added. "I want to score more for my team-mates because we have all worked together so well since the summer.

"I have been learning English since I arrived here and see myself staying here for a long time."