ROQUE Santa Cruz admitted he got frustrated at times waiting for the chance to work with Mark Hughes again.

Santa Cruz became Hughes’ second major summer signing last week when he completed an £18million move from Blackburn.

It was six times the figure Hughes paid to bring the Paraguayan to Ewood Park two years ago, a measure of the impact Santa Cruz has had in the Premier League following seven seasons at Bayern Munich.

The South American remembers what an enjoyable year he had working with Hughes at Blackburn, and knows the Welshman tried to get him as soon as he agreed to join Manchester City last summer.

Twelve months on, the dream has finally become reality, ending a difficult period for Santa Cruz, during which he was concerned about his chances of ending up at Eastlands.

Clink on the gallery link on the right to see pictures of Santa Cruz signing autographs with fans

“I have waited a long time for this,” he said.

“There were stages when I thought things were a bit difficult.

“Obviously the manager made his interest in me quite clear and obviously I was very keen to come.

“I also had to show respect for Blackburn but I was seduced by the fact Mark Hughes was here and I had the chance to play for him again.”

While some have questioned Hughes’ ability to draw performances out of top class players, Santa Cruz is in no doubt.

He shares similar traits to the City chief that he is convinced will continue to draw the best out of him.

“I know the way the manager likes to work and what he thinks about football,” said Santa Cruz.

Mentality

“He has a winning mentality deep inside and it is the same for me.

“I know we will play to win every week and try to win things. That is why the decision to come here was so easy.”

Santa Cruz is acutely aware of the growing expectation surrounding City.

He also hears talk of potential new arrivals like Samuel Eto’o and Carlos Tevez.

Not that it bothers him. The South American feels competition comes with the territory at a big club.

“That will only make the club stronger and make people do even better,” he said. “They will want to show how good they are.

“I am delighted to be here with the players we already have. I don’t know who else is coming but anyone who does will make us stronger and that is very welcome.”

Ironically, Santa Cruz’s competitive debut is likely to come at Blackburn given City are due to open the new campaign at Ewood Park on August 15.

It will be the start of a big season for the Blues, who will be expected not just to challenge for the top six, as chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak has previously stated, but push to break into the top four.

“The top four is the aim,” said Santa Cruz.

“Winning trophies is a very hard task. It is certainly not going to happen from one day to the next and it is going to take a lot of work.

“Everyone has their own goals but it is important that everyone thinks in the same way and is pushing in the right direction.

“Just to say we want to win as many games as possible will not be enough. We have to know in our own minds where we are going to finish.”

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