Manchester City has acquired striker Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn by buying out his remaining contract for around $30 million. Santa Cruz will once again link up with Coach Mark Hughes, who bought Santa Cruz from Bayern Munich while boss of Blackburn two years ago. The deal is City's second signing of the summer, following Gareth Barry's $19.5 million move from Aston Villa

"It's been close to happening for a while. Now I can focus on doing my best for the club," the Paraguayan international said. Santa Cruz told the club's website: "The owners want the club to be more successful. They want to break into the top four, and the fact that the fans are so passionate about everything to do with City was also a factor. I am very motivated to play for these fans. I know the kind of football Mark Hughes wants to play and the kind of character he is - he's a winner, he wants to make things happen and be successful.

Santa Cruz scored 23 goals in his first season at Blackburn, but injury stalled his progress in the 2008-09 campaign. He scored only six goals in 16 appearances.

 

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