The Blues’ England defender was forced to miss the last few weeks of the 2006/07 season with a combination of frustrating injuries, but as he says in an exclusive interview with Dave Clayton on the new official City magazine he was more than ready when training resumed last week.
“I’m glad to be back at work - it’s about time! It’s been a good summer, but I’m ready to go now. I’d had a long season and probably needed a rest anyway, but I had to miss the last month so I could get the problems I was having sorted out.
“I was actually carrying two injuries – my shins and my ankles – but the operation was a success and it was great to get back into pre-season training. I had a couple of weeks in Marbella and just rested in the sunshine so my batteries are definitely recharged.”
The 19-year-old had enjoyed a superb season until struck down by injuries, winning four England caps in the process, and he’s bubbling at the prospect of working with City’s new manager.
“I met Sven on the first day back at Carrington,” he continues. “He seems like a really nice guy and we’re all just looking forward to cracking on and getting a bit of the feel-good factor back in the camp again. Hopefully we’ve got the resources we need in place now and I can’t wait to see who Sven brings in.
“He’s got the money and he’s certainly got the knowledge – it’s all about finding the right blend now. He’s got a great track record in club management and the players all have a great deal of respect for him, so he’s got a good base to work from.”
The full interview is available now in the new official City Magazine, on sale at all good outlets across the city.
