Source: Daily_Mail
Man City seal £18m deal for Blackburn Paraguay hitman Santa Cruz
Roque Santa Cruz has finally sealed his £18million switch to Manchester City.
The Blackburn striker's on-off move to Eastlands is now complete after he underwent a medical today.
Santa Cruz missed the end of last season with a knee injury but there were no problems with the tests, and he has now been unveiled as a City player.
He follows Gareth Barry to Eastlands, who made his £12m switch from Aston Villa at the end of the season.
'I'm very happy to have signed for City - it's been close to happening for a while, and now I can just focus on football and concentrate on doing my best for the club,' said Santa Cruz.
'I know the kind of football Mark Hughes wants to play and the kind of character he is - he's a winner, he wants to make things happen and be successful. Those are always my thoughts as well, so knowing what he wants was a big factor in coming here, because I know the club is going in the right direction.
'I know his staff and the kind of training they will have the team doing, so everything was very attractive for me.
'The owners want theclub to be more successful - they want to break into the top four, and the fact that the fans are so passionate about everything to do with City was also a factor. I am very motivated to play for these fans.
'I spoke to the chairman and I know his ambitions are known toeverybody at the club - he made sure that I know as well. It was a good conversation. He wants the best for the club and to give something back to the fans.'
Santa Cruz is expected to initially cost City £15m, with the remainder of the fee dependant on their success and his appearances.
He has been a revelation for Rovers since signing from Bayern Munich for just £3.8m two years ago.
The Paraguay star has bagged a goal every other game at the Ewood Park club and was desperate to be reunited with former Blackburn boss Mark Hughes.
