Mancini: no City contact with Wayne

Don’t look at me, insists Mancini as speculation grows surrounding Wayne Rooney’s future.

AFTER TWO DAYS of intense speculation prompted by Wayne Rooney’s desire to leave Old Trafford, Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says his club have had no contact with the England striker.

Asked, in the past hour, if there had been contact between City and the player, Mancini said:

No. Never. Rooney is a great player but I think he’ll stay at United. He’s a good player, he’s an important player for United

Pressed on whether he would be keen to sign the striker, Mancini added:

He is a United player. It’s not correct to speak about that situation. I have respect for him, for Ferguson, for United. I want to speak only about my players. It’s not my problem. I’m City manager. I have a lot of problems with my players. It’s important for me to focus on tomorrow’s game.

He is a strong player like (Fernando) Torres, like (Lionel) Messi, like Carlos Tevez, like (Mario) Balotelli. This is my opinion.

City and Real Madrid are widely seen as two of the most likely destinations for the striker, who Ferguson yesterday revealed had told United in August he was unwilling to sign a new contract.