Santa Cruz keen to make City impact

Striker Roque Santa Cruz wants to prove he can play an important part in Manchester City’s bid to break into the Champions League places after a proposed move to Lazio failed to materialise today.

Santa Cruz remained a City player when the transfer window shut at 6pm, despite boss Roberto Mancini telling him he was not in his plans for the upcoming campaign.

Lazio ended their interest in the Paraguay striker earlier today after failing to agree terms while talk of a move to Fulham did not extend beyond speculation.

Santa Cruz, who endured an injury-interrupted first season with City last term, is focused on proving he has a role to play.

“Unfortunately I heard from the manager himself that he won’t be counting on me this season. He was trying to see if he could arrange a move,” Santa Cruz told Sky Sports News.

“But at the end the club was happy to keep me. In the end they weren’t happy with anything (offers) that came through.

“Football changes a lot from time to time.

“Now I’ll try and prove myself in training. Prove I’m healthy. I’m looking forward to my chances.”

The 29-year-old, who has yet to appear for City this term, said he had been aware of Lazio’s interest.

“They (Lazio) were there until today. They didn’t come to an agreement with the club in terms,” he added.

“I was watching from the back what was going on, but they didn’t come to an agreement.

“It was basically too late to keep talking so that story is finished.

“What is clear is I never push anything to leave the club. I really like the club I’m playing with and the supporters and the ideas of playing for a great club like City.

“That is not the point, the point is I need to play, that I’m healthy - something I wasn’t for a lot of last season.

“I’m now off to play with the national team for two games.

“I will get some football that I haven’t been able to get at all with City at this time. Hopefully this will help me out to get some football fitness.”