New City signing Aleksandar Kolarov took a wide-eyed tour of Carrington then revealed the vision he shares for the future with manager Roberto Mancini.

Serbia’s World Cup left-back waved goodbye to Lazio and Serie A to challenge himself on a five-year deal with the Blues in the competition he calls “the best League in the world.”

He completed the details -  and a guided tour of City’s training complex - before jetting back to Belgrade for the weekend to prepare for his Premier League adventure.

Kolarov declared: “I’m very excited to be here at a great club like Manchester City. Even the training ground is fantastic, better than Lazio’s.

“I’m coming back early next week to train with the players who aren’t touring America. I want to start as soon as I can, and I can’t wait to meet all the other guys.

“I had the opportunity to join other teams - the names are not important. When I spoke with Mr Mancini, my choice was Manchester City because I know they are a good team. I think maybe a great team.

“The Premier League is the best in the world and he wants us to go further and win the Premier title and the Champions League. For a young player like me, this is the best opportunity. It’s the dream.”

Kolarov, who won the Italian Cup and the Super Cup with Lazio, is determined to make his mark with the Blues after honing his game in the finishing school of Serie A.

He said: “I know a little of the history of Manchester City, I know that it is over 30 years since the club won a trophy.

We want to change that and win a trophy soon for the fans

 

 

Alex has not played under former Lazio boss Mancini, but added: “His results speak for him. He won three Serie A titles with Inter. He is a person determined to be a winner, and he is a winner.”