The Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz has revealed that he will not be returning to Manchester City at the end of his current loan spell with Malaga. The former Blackburn Rovers and Bayern Munich striker is currently on loan at the Spanish club till the end of the season.
However, he has ruled out the possibility of returning to Manchester City in the future. Santa Cruz has also pointed to the fact that his contract with the club expires in June, thus making him a free agent. Santa Cruz has been one of the best players for Malaga this season.
Despite selling a number of the players during the summer transfer window, Malaga have been able to compete for a Champions League qualification spot mainly due to the goals from the Paraguayan. He has said that he has no grudges about not making the grade at City due to the different factors at the club. Santa Cruz was one of the first high-profile signings for the club during the reign of Mark Hughes. He was brought to the club for around £ 17 million, but upon the arrival of Roberto Mancini, he fell out of favour. Santa Cruz, though, has said that the arrival of several big-name players meant that his position cannot be criticised.
“At City I had an excellent relationship with each of the coaches that I had – Mark Hughes first and Roberto Mancini later – as well as with the club. Mancini was honest with me and I don’t blame anyone. They made big investments and I wasn’t able to play much, but there is no blame. During my season at Manchester City I was not 100 per cent fit, like I am now. But I am not going to go back there,” said Roque Santa Cruz.