Source: Team_Talk
Mancini: City spending is over
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini claims the club have finished their incredible summer spending spree.[LNB] The arrival of England midfielder James Milner from Aston Villa was finally confirmed on Wednesday with Stephen Ireland going the other way.[LNB]Milner joins a new illustrious cast, following the path taken to Eastlands in recent weeks by David Silva, Mario Balotelli, Jerome Boateng, Yaya Toure and Aleksander Kolarov.[LNB]Asked if Milner was his final signing, Mancini said: "I think so. He is a good young player, who can play in every position in the middle and out wide."[LNB]City have been far and away England's biggest spenders this summer and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson complained about the "kamikaze" attitude of some clubs in the transfer market although he did not mention City by name.[LNB]Mancini said: "If you want to buy a new player you must spend money. It is the market.[LNB]"I respect his (Ferguson's) opinion but Manchester United, not Manchester City spent a lot of money in the past."[LNB]Milner's future had been the subject of ongoing speculation since Villa rejected a bid of around £20million from City in May.[LNB]The two clubs finally agreed a fee but the deal was held up still further by the involvement of Ireland, who reportedly demanded a £2million pay-off from City[LNB]Milner replaces Ireland as City's number seven and Mancini said: "I hope things go well for Stevie at Villa.[LNB]"He is also a very good player and he has played a big part in City's history. I think he will enjoy the chance of being at another club and I hope he does well for Aston Villa."[LNB]Milner will sit out City's Europa League play-off first leg match on Thursday against Timisoara and instead could make his debut against Liverpool on Monday.[LNB]By then the futures of strikers Robinho and Roque Santa Cruz could become clearer.[LNB]Robinho spent the end of last season on loan to Santos and according to Mancini the Brazilian's plans will be sorted out "in the next five to six days".[LNB]Santa Cruz's future is also clouded in doubt as he was dropped from the Europa League squad to make way for Balotelli, who could make his debut against Timisoara after his registration was received in time by UEFA.[LNB]Mancini said: "If Shay wants to stay I am happy, if Robinho wants to stay I am happy, if Roque wants to stay I am happy."[LNB]Goalkeeper Joe Hart will retain his place ahead of Shay Given but City will be without Kolarov and Boateng.[LNB]Former Lazio left-back Kolarov damaged ankle ligaments in the 0-0 draw at at White Hart Lane and could be out for a month to six weeks.[LNB]Boateng, who arrived from Hamburg, is likely to be out of action for a fortnight after the defender suffered a deep cut on the inside of his knee.[LNB]Mancini believes City have the squad to gain success at home and abroad.[LNB]He said: "The Europa League is very important for me, the players and the supporters.[LNB]"We play all games to win no matter the competition. But this match will be tough as it is our first game and we are away from home."[LNB]Timisoara's top players from last season have a special incentive to reach the group stages - they are on a bonus of 100,000 Euros each.[LNB]Coach Vladimir Petrovic said: "When big teams play against smaller teams they need to show just as much concentration in that game. Manchester City better not under-estimate us."
