Manchester City manager Mark Hughes believes his new $36 million signing, Joleon Lescott, is the best center back in the English Premier League, which also boasts English national team backs John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

"I'm delighted to welcome Joleon to the club," Hughes said. "It's been a long and difficult process but I feel Joleon is the best [central defender] in the Premier League and will be for many years to come. He's key to what we are trying to achieve. I've been really keen to bring him here because the key as a manager is being able to work with your targets and now it's just a case of integrating him into the team."

Lescott, who has played seven times for England, said he made the switch from Everton to City because the Manchester club boasted a better opportunity of breaking into the league's top four. "I had a good rapport with the Everton fans and got on well with them," said the 27-year-old. "They were great with me and I'd like to thank them. I gave my all for them when I was there but everyone outside the top four is aiming for the same thing and Manchester City are better equipped to get there than Everton."

 

Read the original story...