In an exclusive interview with www.mcfc.co.uk, the Brazilian international, who arrived from Ukranian side Shakhtar Donetsk during the summer, has explained how he expects to improve after settling in at City very quickly.
“I’ve settled well in Manchester,” the 26-year-old playmaker states, “my family are extremely happy here. I’ve been working hard since I came, but the whole system at the club is very professional, from the coaches to everyone that works behind the scenes at the training ground. I couldn’t be happier with the way it is going for me here but I’m trying to improve.
“This league is the best I’ve played in, it’s watched all around the world so I’m happy to be playing here. The defences here are more professional, more physical and advanced than what I have played against before. The game in Brazil and elsewhere is more classical and a bit lazier, here everyone works a lot harder so I’m having to work hard as well.”
Much was made in the media of the make-up of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s new-look City squad, but Elano, who has compatriot Geovanni alongside him at the club, says that language has been no barrier.
“There has been no problems with the languages, if you are a good footballer and you work with the kind of players we have here, you’ll never have any problems about that.”
And there’s praise too for Michael Johnson, who has twice benefited from Elano’s touch and vision to score crucial goals that have helped City into second place in the table.
“I really like playing alongside Michael because he’s a player that likes to share the ball around and help out his team mates,” Elano continues.
“It’s been great to help him with his goals, but I’m looking forward to scoring myself. We are playing good football, all my teammates are sharing the ball with me, and they’re not selfish so it’s better for me and good for the team.
“I’ve enjoyed all the games so far, but the last one was the one I’m happiest with, especially when I helped Michael with his goal. All the games have been different, I’ve had to adapt but I’m happy with the way it’s going for me.”
