Elano: I'm staying at Man City

Brazilian midfielder Elano has pledged his long term future to Manchester City. There have been rumours of a bid from La Liga giants Valencia and Barcelona, but Elano is keen to stay loyal to the club that he feels brought him the respect he deserves.

"The new signings [Nery] Castillo and Benjani are important," he added. "The strength of those players helps when things are tough.

”I want to be here for the next seven or eight years and then I'll go back to Brazil to finish my career with Santos."

Elano believes his career has flourished since joining Man City: “When I arrived here nobody knew me. I'd played here against Argentina and Portugal but not particularly well.

"For a time there was space, but now I find that I have to play on my own because I always have a player marking me. I'm coping with it – but that is causing difficulties for my game.”