Santa Cruz has scored only four goals for City in 23 matches

Roque Santa Cruz has told the BBC he is resigned to leaving Manchester City in January and revealed his frustrations at the lack of first-team chances.

City manager Roberto Mancini admitted in October the 29-year-old Paraguay striker would find it "difficult" to gain a place in the first XI.

"I can't see myself playing in the team and that's frustrating," Santa Cruz told BBC Radio 5 live.

"When the boss does not believe in you then you can't push him to do so."

Santa Cruz scored 23 goals in 57 matches for Blackburn before joining City in the summer of 2009 for £17.5m.

However, injuries and stiff competition for places have hampered his progress and he has scored only four goals in 23 appearances for the club.

606: DEBATE I for one feel sorry for this guy. Plagued by injury only to be let go by his club. It's a shame Yasin

He added: "It's frustrating for me because I'm healthy and I'll keep working hard on my fitness.

"But once the time comes I'll have to look at my options of playing somewhere else. There is no alternative."

Fulham boss Mark Hughes, who worked with Santa Cruz both at City and at Blackburn, has already expressed his interest.

"I'm interested in players of the quality of Roque," said the Welsh manager in October, who failed in an attempt to sign Santa Cruz on loan during the summer.

"My interest in him before was there for everybody to see and whether we pursue that in January is open to debate. I'm not aware that he's available. That might change."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version