• Premier League

Mangala spurred on by injured brother

Eliaquim Mangala became the most expensive defender in British football when he moved from Porto to Manchester City for £32 million this summer © Getty Images

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Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala has revealed an accident that paralysed his brother has helped spur him on to reach the top of the game.

Mangala, 23, was born just outside Paris, but at the age of five he moved with his family to Belgium in 1996 so that his brother, Daniel, could receive specialist treatment following an accident that has left him confined to a wheelchair ever since.

"I have to live with the fact my brother was paralysed. He used to be a keen footballer before his accident. Whenever I play a match I play for him as well as myself. My motivation has been increased tenfold," Mangala, who joined City from Porto this summer, told the Sun.

"I want to go as far as I can in football for the sake of my brother, who has not had the opportunity to do so himself. I represent my family when I am out on the field. I give everything, and never short-change anyone.

"I have always behaved humbly, as you never know what tomorrow might bring. I am on an upward spiral but everything could be turned on its head, for instance, by a serious injury.

"The ordeal of my brother has made me mature as a person. Your life can change dramatically overnight. I feel a responsibility to play well for both my sake and his."

After easing into life at the Etihad Stadium, Mangala has started his new side's last three Premier League games, and City fans are already seeing why their club were willing to pay Porto £32 million for the centre-back - a British record for a defender.

"I feel proud to be the most expensive defender in history but the price tag brings about big expectations. I signed a five-year contract and it is down to me to show that Manchester City made a good choice," Mangala said.

Mangala could have played for Belgium, but has established himself as part of Didier Deschamps' France squad.

"I grew up in Belgium but I have always felt strongly French," he added. "I used to watch Les Bleus on TV and then dream of playing for them some day. I dream about playing at the Euro 2016 finals. I want to add trophies to my CV - and it's this ambition that drives me on each day when I set out for training."

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