Mancini: I was close to leaving City

Roberto Mancini has revealed he was in talks with as many as eight clubs over a move away from Manchester City in 2011/12.

Media reports this week suggested Mancini was in advanced talks with French club Monaco over a switch to the Stade Louis II during the off-season.

The Italian manager guided City to the English Premier League title last term and ultimately committed his future to the Etihad Stadium.

But, speaking ahead of his team’s match at West Ham United on Saturday, the former Inter Milan coach has claimed a host of clubs have expressed their interest in his services.

“Last year I was very close with seven or eight teams,” he said.

“But I chose to stay here because I work well here and if someone thinks we haven’t done a good job then I say, ‘look, we’ve won three trophies in two years.’ I’m very happy, we work well and I think the next three or four years will be really important for us.”

“I’ve signed a contract for the next five years because I believe in this squad and I believe I can work with serious people like the owner and the chairman.

“To work with people like this is fantastic as it is hard to find people that work well with a manager. For me it’s a fantastic situation, and now we have time to improve and build a stronger team.”

City are third on the Premier League table, level on points with second-placed Manchester United and one point back from leaders Chelsea.