Roberto Mancini began his summer clearout at Eastlands by deciding not to offer contracts to three experienced players. All of Martin Petrov, Benjani and Sylviniho were asked to find new employers as they did not fit into Mancini’s plans for the Manchester club.
Petrov was signed by Sven Goran Eriksson in 2007 and was by far the most successful of the above mentioned players. He appeared 72 times for City scoring 12 goals including the winner against Barcelona in the Joan Gamper trophy at the start of last season. But Petrov’s inability to track back and emergence of Adam Johnson as a better alternative on the wings sealed his fate. The Bulgarian’s release is set to spark a massive war for his signature. Villa are heading the chasing pack with Everton, Spurs, Stoke, West Ham and Bolton also showing interest.
31-year-old Benjani was a panic purchase by Eriksson. He never really settled at City. He scored seven times in 21 appearances and spent the latter half of last season on loan at Sunderland. Brazilian veteran Sylvinho provided experience at the left back slot, but it was always known that his contract would not be extended beyond the current season.
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