Eriksson key to City deal, says Petrov

MARTIN PETROV has admitted the reason he joined Manchester City was because of manager Sven-Goran Eriksson’s reputation as a top coach. The Bulgaria winger, 28, sealed a three-year deal at Eastlands following a £4.7 million (€7.01m) move from Atletico Madrid.

City won the race to secure his signature ahead of a number of European clubs. He looked set at one stage to link up with international team-mate Dimitar Berbatov at Tottenham.

Petrov gave his reasons for his choice after being unveiled at the club’s Carrington training ground.

“The Premier League is the best league in the world and the best competition,” he said.

“But the main reason I have joined Manchester City is because of the manager. That’s why I made this decision.”

City chief executive Alistair Mackintosh added: “Unsurprisingly, given the calibre of the player, there were a significant number of clubs competing for Martin’s signature. Having Sven-Goran Eriksson as our manager proved to be a major factor in the player’s decision to move here.”

Petrov has more than 60 caps for Bulgaria and was allowed to leave the Vicente Calderon as Atletico line up Benfica winger Simao Sabrosa.

He is Eriksson’s fourth signing since he took charge and follows £8.8m (€13.1m) striker Rolando Bianchi, Gelson Fernandes and Geovanni to the club.

Former Barcelona and Benfica midfielder Geovanni who was also presented to the media alongside Petrov and Eriksson said: “I am sure a lot of clubs wanted both players. But the board here have backed me and they will do very well.

“Both of them bring a lot of experience to the squad as between them they have played a lot of international matches. They are also very good technically. It is important we do not just buy players who are 19, 20 and 21. You need to balance it up.”