Roberto Mancini open to Roque Santa Cruz exit from Manchester City
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Roberto Mancini believes Roque Santa Cruz deserves better than his current predicament at Manchester City and hopes the Paraguay international can find another club in January.
Santa Cruz has played only once this season and was recently quoted as stating his desire to leave City in the next transfer window.
It has been a disappointing time for the striker at Eastlands since his arrival from Blackburn in 2009 and today Mancini gave the green light for Santa Cruz to move on.
"Roque is a fantastic man and a good player, but he knows the situation here," the City manager said.
"I am very sorry for him because Roque deserves to play every game, because he works very well.
"But it is difficult at the moment. I hope for him that he can go to play for another team, because he deserves this."
City take on Wolves at Molineux in the Barclays Premier League tomorrow without Carlos Tevez, who suffered a thigh injury in last weekend's 3-0 defeat against Arsenal and has been given permission to travel to Argentina to visit his family before reporting back on Monday.
Santa Cruz was also quoted as saying Tevez wants to be back "among his people" in Argentina and that he thinks the club captain will return to his homeland after his current deal with City ends in 2014.
Mancini has expressed his sympathy for Tevez but is confident the 26-year-old - who he expects to return to action against West Brom a week on Sunday - will not be quitting Eastlands early.
Referring to reports of Tevez being homesick, Mancini said: "He never talks to me about this, but I think it is normal.
"When you are in another country for a long time, it is normal that sometimes you need your country or your family.
"But he has his job here and it is a fantastic job. I don't think we have a problem."
Asked if he was worried Tevez might not see out the whole of his contract at City, Mancini replied: "No, not at all."
It has been suggested that Tevez is growing disillusioned with football and particularly the dual demands of playing for club and country.
Mancini feels it would be beneficial for the player if he was able to curb his commitments with the Argentina national side.
"It is impossible, I think, but maybe sometimes when they have a friendly match it would be better for him to stay here to recover," the Italian said.
"If it is possible, it would be better for us and better for him. But when they are important games with the national team, it is difficult."
Tevez's absence on Saturday could pave the way for Mario Balotelli to make his first start for the club.
The former Inter Milan striker, who picked up a knee injury on his City debut against Timisoara in August, saw his first action since then when he came off the bench in the second half against Arsenal.
Rumours had circulated that a frustrated Balotelli might be looking for a swift return to Italy, although quotes attributed to the player's agent appeared in the press this week indicating he was happy at City.
Asked for his reaction to that news, Mancini said: "I think Mario must start to play here - this is the first thing. It is very important for us.
"He played for 20 minutes against Arsenal. He is a good player and I think he will be a very important player for us this season."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments