Friday, 26th April, 2013
Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz has insisted that he has no intention of renewing his contract with Manchester City and intends to leave the Citizens on a free transfer in the summer.
Santa Cruz is under contract to Roberto Mancini’s men, but is currently on a season-long loan with La Liga outfit Malaga, where he has enjoyed a positive campaign.
Santa Cruz is now planning for life away from Manchester City on a permanent basis and is holding talks with Malaga and Brazilian side Botafogo.
"I am aware of interest from Botafogo, my agent is looking into that option", the 31-year-old explained to Radio La Nueva.
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"It is a very big club and I am flattered by the interest.
"Brazil has one of the strongest leagues in the world, the football is very attractive and it is as strong as European football.
"I’ve spent 14 years now outside Paraguay and at some point it is important to be closer to home. That is something I’ve always wanted, to be near my family again.
"I am also talking to Malaga.
"But I will certainly not renew my contract with Manchester City. I will soon be a free transfer."
The Citizens snapped up Santa Cruz from Blackburn Rovers for £17.5M in the summer of 2009.
He was loaned back to Blackburn in 2011 before a further loan stint with Real Betis.
Santa Cruz joined Malaga last summer.
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