Source: Daily_Mail
Adam Johnson: I'm not going to be the new Robinho at Manchester City
His mates at Middlesbrough joke about him being the new Robinho, but Adam Johnson has already shown more determination to make it at Manchester City than his famous predecessor on the left wing.[LNB] The 22-year-old was signed from Boro on transfer deadline day for £7million, 24 hours after City's £32.5m British record buy had said his farewells and returned to Brazil on a six-month loan deal with Santos.[LNB] Dream switch: Adam Johnson (left) with Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini[LNB] And Johnson revealed that he risked playing with a hamstring injury when Boro met City in the third round of the FA Cup last month in the hope of persuading the Barclays Premier League club to make an offer for him.[LNB] 'I only lasted 30 minutes but I was desperate to play and show them what I could do,' said Johnson. 'There was a bit of talk then about me coming here. I'm cup-tied, but it was worth it.'[LNB] It convinced City boss Roberto Mancini to bid for a player who will compete with Craig Bellamy and Martin Petrov on the left of midfield, although Johnson can also operate on the right.[LNB] 'There's been some banter with a few of my old team-mates at Boro who say I've come to City to replace Robinho,' added the England Under 21 international, who could make his debut at Hull today after signing a contract until 2014.[LNB] 'He was the British transfer record signing, and he's gone out and I've come in. But I'm not thinking about coming to replace Robinho or anyone else.[LNB] 'I'm a bit star-struck at some of the players around the dressing room. It's strange but I'll get used to it I suppose. I have to try to keep my feet on the ground and not get carried away.'[LNB] Having been at the Riverside since the age of 12, it was important to him that he left on good terms. [LNB]He said: 'It was emotional to leave Middlesbrough. But, when you've got the chance to come to a massive club like City, then it's not a hard decision.[LNB] 'I watched the derby games with United and that must be about the best derby in the world now in terms of atmosphere. They are the type of games I want to be involved in.[LNB] 'The sky is the limit for me here, and that's the reason why I came. Finishing fourth and qualifying for the Champions League is a big incentive this season. I had a taste of Europe with Middlesbrough and that is my aim here, to play European football.[LNB] 'There were a few other bids but, as soon as City came in for me, there was only one place I wanted to go. It was best for Boro and me that I came here.[LNB] 'Having met the manager it just confirmed I made the right decision. Roberto is different from Gordon Strachan, although both of them are hard to understand at times!' [LNB] Joe Hart plea to Fabio Capello: Make me England keeper and I'll even take a penaltyJohn Terry axed as the England captain! Fabio Capello gets tough as Wembley box revelations prove final straw for shamed Chelsea star[LNB] [LNB]
