Manchester City Change The Face Of Football

Robinho could be the first of several major signings, says Al-Fahim

Ronaldo has said he wants to play for the biggest club in the world, so we will see in January if he is serious. Real Madrid were estimating his value at $160m (£90m) but for a player like that, to actually get him, will cost a lot more, I would think $240m (£134m). But why not? We are going to be the biggest club in the world, bigger than both Real Madrid and Manchester United.

By Citizen Correspondent Sir Stephen

Date Posted: 09/02/08

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Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has agreed to sell the club to a Middle East company...

Manchester City's prospective new owners have declared they want the club to challenge for honours on all fronts. The Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), which is set to take over from Thaksin Shinawatra, has already helped seal the signing of Brazil striker Robinho. City bought Robinho from Real Madrid for a British record fee of £32.5m "We would like to be a lot better than last season, and we are eager for trophies next season," said ADUG spokesman Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim. Thaksin has signed a memorandum of understanding with ADUG which would see the Arab company taking a majority stake in the club.

The move has drawn comparisons with Russian Roman Abramovich's takeover of Chelsea in 2003. Since then, the London side have won the Premier League title twice, lifted the FA Cup once and reached the final of the Champions League. City have not won a trophy since the League Cup in 1976, but Al-Fahim believes the funds available to manager Mark Hughes should help bring silverware. "We would like to see Manchester City fighting for trophies in every tournament," said Al-Fahim. "We don't just want Manchester City to be challenging for trophies in England, but also in the Champions League. We want them to be in for every trophy available."

News of a takeover bid backed by the Abu Dhabi royal family was greeted warmly by supporters, who have already jokingly renamed their home ground 'Middle Eastlands.' Former City star Mike Summerbee said: "We are very, very lucky - Manchester City FC are a very big club and it's a wonderful thing for them. It's about time we had little a bit of luck.