Get the City transfer window latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox Stephen Ireland has admitted he never wanted to leave Manchester City when he joined Aston Villa in 2010, with City legend Yaya Toure begging him to stay.
Ireland was one of City's prized possessions when Roberto Mancini took over the job from Mark Hughes, who had been criticised for not getting the best out of the former Ireland international.
In the 2008/09 season, Ireland was City's standout performer, collecting their Player of the Season award as they laboured to a mid-table finish.
However, backed by the investment of new billionaire owners, City strengthened heavily in the summer, bringing in highly-sought after midfielder
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