• Premier League

Adam Johnson glad he stayed at Manchester City

ESPN staff
August 4, 2011
Adam Johnson was unhappy on the fringes at times last season © PA Photos
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Manchester City winger Adam Johnson says he is glad to be staying with the club after reports over the summer suggested he could be sold.

Johnson has enjoyed a meteoric rise from Championship football with Middlesbrough 18 months ago, his move to City leading to full England recognition and he will now compete in this season's Champions League.

However, last year City boss Roberto Mancini was critical of the player, who cost just £7 million from Boro, suggesting he should not believe all the positive press he receives. Chelsea were one of the clubs said to be weighing up an offer for Johnson, but after talks with Mancini the player is convinced he is in the manager's plans.

''When you get linked with other teams, you start to wonder if you are in their plans,'' he was quoted as saying by the Daily Star. ''So it's nice that the manager has come out and said that I am.

''He's said he wants another winger but with the players we've got here, 90 per cent of us know we won't play every single game. Two players for every position is good but if it was any more than that it would be difficult to get a game.

''I understand the boss better now. He is demanding. He does things down to the finest little thing but that's reflected in how well we did last season. 'I had a lot of conversations with the manager. Some things I agreed with, some I didn't. Whether it was right or not, he has definitely brought me on as a player.

''Since I signed everything has changed for me. When I was at Middlesbrough it was difficult going to places like Old Trafford and having to defend all game. People always said I had potential, but at City I get the chance to attack more.

''The Champions League is massive to me. It's a big season for me with the Euros at the end. I really want to go there after missing the World Cup.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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