Extreme Football Forum  |  Football Forums  |  FA Barclaycard Premiership  |  Topic: Santa Cruz set to leave Man City

BBC

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says Roque Santa Cruz is free to leave the club in January, while Fulham have already expressed an interest.

The 29-year-old Paraguayan striker, who arrived from Blackburn in 2009, has played only once this season.

"I hope for him that he can go to play for another team, because he deserves this," said Mancini.

Meanwhile, Fulham boss Mark Hughes said: "I'm interested in players of the quality of Roque."

Hughes, who worked with Santa Cruz both at City and Blackburn, failed in an attempt to sign him on loan during the summer.

BBC

Roque Santa Cruz has told the BBC he is resigned to leaving Manchester City in January and revealed his frustrations at the lack of first-team chances.

City manager Roberto Mancini admitted in October the 29-year-old Paraguay striker would find it "difficult" to gain a place in the first XI.

"I can't see myself playing in the team and that's frustrating," Santa Cruz told BBC Radio 5 live.

"When the boss does not believe in you then you can't push him to do so."

Santa Cruz scored 23 goals in 57 matches for Blackburn before joining City in the summer of 2009 for £17.5m.

However, injuries and stiff competition for places have hampered his progress and he has scored only four goals in 23 appearances for the club.

He added: "It's frustrating for me because I'm healthy and I'll keep working hard on my fitness.

"But once the time comes I'll have to look at my options of playing somewhere else. There is no alternative."