New crowd favourite Adam Johnson is loving life with City and reckons his new club will one day challenge – and eventually oust - the biggest teams in the world.

Prior to signing, Johnson was reportedly a long-time target for one of the world’s most famous clubs, but says he wouldn’t swap the Blues for anyone.

“I think I’ve been linked with Real Madrid since I’ve been about 18, but while it’s all very flattering, I chose City because we have the potential to be as big, if not bigger than teams like Real Madrid.

“This is my first choice and I’m really happy here already. I’ve enjoyed the three games I’ve played in so far, the supporters have been fantastic to me and I think Manchester is a great city, too. 

“I wanted to come to a club who I felt really wanted me, and City paid £7million when I had just four months left on my contract at Middlesbrough, which I’ve been told is almost unheard of.” 

Johnson has also been impressed with his new manager, too.

“Roberto Mancini has been first class with me since day one,” he said. “His man-management skills are excellent and he’ll take players to one side and have a quiet chat with them if he sees something he thinks he can help you improve on.

“I really like that style of management. With his vast experience as a player and a manager, I think I’ll learn a lot from him as time goes by.”

Johnson admits he’s already laid a marker for himself following his stunning home debut against Bolton a fortnight ago, but knows more of the same could possibly put him in the frame for this summer’s World Cup.

I think I set a standard for myself on my debut and I have to continue to perform well every time I play just to even have a sniff of a call up, starting today against Liverpool.

...Adam Johnson

“I haven’t heard anything about being included in the squad for the upcoming game against Egypt. Stranger things have happened, though, and if there are injuries or loss of form for any of the lads ahead of me, who knows? 

“It would be unbelievable if I could get into the England squad for South Africa – that’s what every kid dreams of, isn’t it? 

“Playing for England at the World Cup on the biggest stage there is in football would be incredible, but to even be considered I have to play consistently well for City which is exactly what I’ll be aiming to do.”