Lescott sets top four target

Sylvinho delighted to be back in England

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 26th August 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Lescott sets top four target

Lescott: Ambitious

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Joleon Lescott has admitted that he joined Manchester City to challenge for a UEFA Champions League spot.

The England international completed a big-money move to Eastlands from Everton on Tuesday, bringing an end to a protracted transfer saga.

He joins a City revolution intended to help the club break into the Premier League's top four this season.

Lescott admits it is that ambition which drew him to Mark Hughes' side, and he feels he has made the right move in order to further his career.

"Everyone outside of the top four are aiming for the same thing and I just feel, at this moment in time, that Manchester City are better equipped to get there quicker than Everton," he said.

"It's been well documented that I wanted the move and I'm delighted it's been done now.

"It's been exciting. I wanted the change. I've moved to Manchester City and I'm glad it's over."

Lescott also responded to criticism from former boss David Moyes, who questioned his attitude, claiming the Toffees boss was wide of the mark.

"I was disappointed in the comments, I feel they're inaccurate," he said.

"I'd like to address them at a later date and talk more positively about my move here.

"I don't think I disrespected any of the players. If I did I apologise."

Exciting

Lescott was officially unveiled as a City player on Wednesday alongside fellow new recruit Sylvinho.

The experienced full-back joins the Blues as a free agent following his release by Barcelona, and the Brazilian admits he is delighted to be back in England eight years after he left Arsenal for Camp Nou.

"It's a good time to be here. It's an exciting time for the club. I'm really proud to be here again, in the Premier League," he said.

"When I played for Arsenal it improved my game a lot. When you come to the Premier League you improve and play better. I think it will help me again.

"I know I can help with the team and I know they can help me. I know I can help, but I'm not thinking about the first team. I'm just going to do my work and that's it."

Sylvinho has signed a one-year contract with City, but he believes he is capable of competing at the highest level past next summer and has no plans to move into coaching just yet.

"I could play maybe four or five years more. You never know," he smiled.

"I have a contract for a year, so I am very happy. I will just try to help the team. It's a good time to be here at this club. I will help to make the club even bigger than they are.

"I believe in the project and I believe in the coach. I believe we can do a lot of things in the future."