Man City boss explains Hargreaves signing

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has explained the reasons why he decided to sign Owen Hargreaves. City had already exhausted their transfer funds and under fair play rules could not sign a foreign player.

Man City were reportedly chasing Fernando Gago and Daniele de Rossi, but did not complete moves for either due to UEFA's fair play rules that will limit the amount of spending clubs can make on new talent.

“I am happy that Roma signed Gago,” said Mancini. “He is a player who we liked a lot. We couldn’t spend any more money also for the question of financial fair play.

“So in midfield we signed Hargreaves who was out of contract. After many injuries he has come back. An experienced player like him can give us a big hand.”