Young Man City midfielder Abdul Razak has been given the all clear to remain in the United Kingdom.
Blues youngster given permission to stay in the UK
Young Manchester City midfielder Abdul Razak has been given the all clear to remain in the United Kingdom.
The 18-year-old, who hails from Ivory Coast, was faced with the prospect of deportation but has been told he can stay with City.
Blues boss Roberto Mancini handed Razak his first-team debut last month and is pleased the promising youngster can continue his development with the club.
"This is great news for both Abdul and Manchester City football club," Mancini told the club's
official website.
"He is a talented footballer and a very good young man who now has the opportunity to make the most of his ability.
Hard work
"I have been very impressed with his attitude and technique. He has been training with the first team for a while now. I know a lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes on Abdul's case and I would like to thank everyone connected with the case for their efforts.
"I believe he has the ability to become a very important player for Manchester City and am looking forward to seeing him progress."
Razak was born in Ivory Coast and initially came to the UK for a youth tournament in Aberdeen in 2007.
He was a late substitute during the 3-0 home win against West Brom in February and, although he has yet to make his second appearance, City's legal team has been praised for securing his stay.
Incompetence
"We caught a short glimpse of what he can do on a football pitch in his brief substitute appearance against West Bromwich Albion a few weeks ago," added Des Coffey, City's player care and support officer.
"The initial incompetence of the Home Office in its decision-making process in Abdul's case has meant that it has been a long process with a lot of work from a number of people, particularly our legal advisor, Gulay Mehmet. We are all delighted with the outcome."
