Manchester City FC

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• Manager:Roberto Mancini

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Mancini hopes for Bridge rethink

19 Mar 2010 - 14:52:30

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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini hopes he can persuade Wayne Bridge to change his mind and put himself up for England selection at this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

The former Chelsea and Southampton left-back decided to make himself unavailable for Fabio Capello's team last month after John Terry's alleged affair with his former girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel.

Mancini said: "It is always important for a player to play in the World Cup because you can only play in it once or twice in your life.

"I hope for Wayne and England he changes his mind. If you have a chance of playing for England, they can win the World Cup.

"So for a player it is important to play in this World Cup. The England team have a big chance and I hope Wayne will change his mind."

Bridge will be sidelined for a month after being forced to undergo surgery to correct a hernia problem. The 29-year-old was forced off after just over half-an-hour of the 1-1 weekend draw at Sunderland, having been troubled by a knee injury earlier this season.

Mancini said of Bridge's injury: "I think he will be ready for the last five games of the season. In the next month maybe he can change his situation. When Wayne returns to training I will speak with him and hope he will play in the tournament."