McManaman: Keegan convinced me to join Man City

Steve McManaman says he was "inspired" into signing for Manchester City by manager Kevin Keegan.

Macca explained: "I am very excited about joining City. After four incredible years at Madrid it was always going to be a hard decision where to go next and it was important to settle on something that is a great personal challenge where my experience could really contribute to a club ambitious for success."

"City are in a transitional stage but listening to Kevin talk about the club's goals I got the strong feeling of momentum building towards success over the next few years. It is such an exciting time for City fans and I felt I could really offer something to the quest. I have worked with Kevin, Arthur Cox and Derek Fazackerley with England so it was like walking into a familiar situation."

"Kevin also understands what it is like returning to the domestic scene after fulfilling a stint abroad."

"I will be reunited with my great friend Robbie Fowler as well as England teammates David Seaman and Trevor Sinclair, and Nicolas Anelka I know well from the Madrid dressing room."

"Manchester is only half-an-hour's drive from my family and my wife's family in Liverpool."