Roque Santa Cruz has finally renewed his successful
working relationship with Mark Hughes by becoming the delighted
Blues manager's second major signing of the summer at the City of
Manchester Stadium.
Hughes plucked highly-rated Paraguay striker Santa Cruz from
Bayern Munich two years ago for Blackburn and he
responded by scoring 23 goals in 43 games in a great debut
season for Rovers.
City's boss was keen for Santa Cruz to join his Blues revolution
both last summer and in January, when the clubs were unable to
agree a deal, but now the 27-year-old centre-forward follows Gareth
Barry into the senior squad.
Roque began his professional career in with Olimpia Asuncion in
his home town, helping them to two championship titles and himself
to the Paraguayan Footballer of the Year award in 1999.
His eye-catching form earned him a move to Germany and he spent
seven years with Bayern, making 155 appearances and helping them to
three Bundesliga titles, the domestic double, and the Champions
League in 2001.
Roque's brilliant debut season for Rovers - including a
hat-trick in a thrilling 5-3 defeat at Wigan - soon convinced
other top managers that he would make the Premier League
grade, but he went to the head of Hughes' wish list almost as
soon as they had parted company at Ewood
Park.
Roque made his debut for Paraguay as a 17-year-old and has gone
on to win 60 more caps. He is expected to lead their attack at the
2010 World Cup in South Africa and clock up a third appearance in
the finals.
Quotes from Roque Santa Cruz will follow shortly only on
mcfc.co.uk
mcfc.co.uk
