Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, has revealed that he came very close to signing Robin van Persie from Arsenal and admits the striker, who is now scoring for fun at rivals Manchester United, could decide where the title ends up this year.
“We were very close. He took his decision but three or four months before we were there,” Mancini said, making a gesture with his hand to show how close the deal was.
Van Persie has already scored 14 goals in the league and Mancini lamented City’s inability to seal the deal, as it would have given them something different in attack.
“It is clear he has changed the situation. In this moment, he is the difference. Last year we were the team that scored the most goals in the Premier League and I am very happy [with my forwards].
“But we wanted Van Persie because he is totally different from our other strikers. When you can improve your team with top players it is important [to do it]. With Van Persie we could also play with three strikers sometimes. But now we can do nothing.”
The Italian however added that he expects more from his summer arrivals, who have not really had a great impact.
“These players can do better. Garcia started very well, he played the first game against Stoke and then he got an injury and was out for 40 days. Now he has started to play and he can be important.
“Scott is my fault because I didn’t get him a big chance to play. He’s fantastic because he always works hard and when he has the chance he plays 100%.”
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