Sheikh Mansour breaks silence

Since his takeover in 2008, the Abu Dhabi-based Sheikh has ploughed well over £1billion into the club. However, his public opinions on the project are virtually non-existent, with chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak and former chief executive Garry Cook left to outline their vision for City's future.

That has changed in an interview with the Al Ittihad newspaper, however, and he said: "We must not forget that our main objective is to win the English Premier League and if we achieve that, then it will have an impact on the team and the club as a whole and will show we can achieve anything," he said.

And for that he shovels most of the credit onto manager Roberto Mancini.

Had it not been for Sheikh Mansour's immense wealth, the plethora of stars at Mancini's disposal would not have signed for City. Yet the owner feels actually getting the players to City is only part of the job.

"Sometimes I meet a lot of Emirati and Arab brothers in London, and see them criticise the work of Roberto Mancini, but I think that his plans are going on the right path," he said.

"We have to ask ourselves where we have been and what Manchester City have become now. To realise that what we have accomplished is great.

"Hard work is still required but we are all satisfied with what has been achieved, the success and development at this level. However you must have patience."

Source: PA

Source: PA