Santa Cruz signs for City at last 22/06/2009 16:19
Roque Santa Cruz has finally renewed his successful working relationship with Mark Hughes by becoming the delighted Blues manager's second major signing of the summer at the City of Manchester Stadium.
Hughes plucked highly-rated Paraguay striker Santa Cruz from Bayern Munich two years ago for Blackburn and he responded by scoring 23 goals in 43 games in a great debut season for Rovers.
City's boss was keen for Santa Cruz to join his Blues revolution both last summer and in January, when the clubs were unable to agree a deal, but now the 27-year-old centre-forward follows Gareth Barry into the senior squad.
Roque began his professional career in with Olimpia Asuncion in his home town, helping them to two championship titles and himself to the Paraguayan Footballer of the Year award in 1999.
His eye-catching form earned him a move to Germany and he spent seven years with Bayern, making 155 appearances and helping them to three Bundesliga titles, the domestic double, and the Champions League in 2001.
Roque's brilliant debut season for Rovers - including a hat-trick in a thrilling 5-3 defeat at Wigan - soon convinced other top managers that he would make the Premier League grade, but he went to the head of Hughes' wish list almost as soon as they had parted company at Ewood Park.
Roque made his debut for Paraguay as a 17-year-old and has gone on to win 60 more caps. He is expected to lead their attack at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and clock up a third appearance in the finals.
Quotes from Roque Santa Cruz will follow shortly only on mcfc.co.uk
