Roque Santa Cruz rules out Manchester City return

Roque Santa Cruz has dismissed the notion of him returning to Manchester City when his loan spell with Malaga expires at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old joined the Premier League champions from Blackburn Rovers in 2009 but has failed to establish himself at the Etihad Stadium, which has resulted in loan spells back with Rovers and Real Betis.

Discussing his future once his third loan spell ends, the Paraguayan international insists that he will not play for City again.

"At City I had an excellent relationship with each of the coaches that I had - Mark Hughes first and Roberto Mancini later - as well as with the club," he told Goal.com. "Mancini was honest with me and I don't blame anyone. They made big investments and I wasn't able to play much, but there is no blame.

"During my season at Manchester City I was not 100% fit, like I am now. But I am not going to go back there.

"In June I will not be a player of Manchester City anymore. The contract has expired."

Santa Cruz has scored eight goals in all competitions this season.