Roberto Mancini says door still open for Bellamy & Santa Cruz
Manchester City manager, Roberto Mancini has said that there is still hope for Craig Bellamy at Manchester City despite being left out of the 25 man squad this season.
Manchester City once again went on a spending spree during the transfer window and brought in number of new recruits. It was inevitable that there were some players who were going to miss the cut. Among the players left out of the list was the Welsh captain Craig Bellamy.
After being left out Bellamy decided to go back home and join his hometown Cardiff City for a season long loan.
However Mancini has said that the door is still open for Bellamy, and he may yet be part of his plans next season. Mancini said that he has not been sold by the club and there is a reason behind it. He added that for now he may not have been the first choice but might yet have a future at the club next season.
The Italian Manager said that he wishes Bellamy all the best for his time in Cardiff, and hopes that he can earn great success and make his way back in the squad of Manchester City. He said that the choice of clubs by Craig did surprise him, but it was his own choice. Mancini said that it is clear that it was the incentive of being with his family that prompted him to join Cardiff.
Meanwhile Mancini also has another decision to make regarding his striker force. The arrival of Italian striker Mario Balotelli has been completed and now it looks like the Paraguayan striker, Roque Santa Cruz may be on his way out of the club.
Roberto Mancini had earlier said that if Balotelli’s move is completed, it may mean that he wukk have to make more cuts in the attack from the current crop.
Now chances are high that Santa Cruz will also be let go by Manchester City, as there is already a strong strike force at the Manager’s disposal. The likes of Carlo Tevez, Emanuel Adebayour, Robinho and now Mario Balotelli make a prolific quartet.
The latest signing Balotelli also will be facing stiff competition for a starting berth, as City start their European campaign.
The Italian striker however is optimistic and is looking to work hard to earn a place in the starting XI. He said that he has come to City to play and will do all he can to get as many starts as possible. He said this is the time for him to take the next step in his career, and he is ready to work hard. He said that he understands that he still has a lot to learn in the game and will welcome any advice from his peers.
Meanwhile Shay Given has also expressed his desire to leave the club, and was understandably upset about losing his place in the team to Joe Hart as the number one keeper. There is immense interest from Arsenal, and he has said that he will hold talks with the manager and if Mancini cannot ensure him a starting berth then he will consider his options. Shay Given moved from Newcastle to Manchester City last season, and was the clear number one last season. However, he suffered an unfortunate shoulder injury at the end of last season, and since then there have been questions about him being the first choice at Eastlands.
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