Man City boss expects Santa Cruz to leave

The 29-year-old has been linked with a move to Fulham after falling down the pecking order at Eastlands.

“I hope for him that he can go to play for another team, because he deserves this,” said Mancini.

Mancini added: “Roque is a fantastic man and a good player, but he knows the situation here.

“I am very sorry for him because he deserves to play every game, because he works very well. But it is difficult at the moment.”