Rocky Santa Cruz signs!

Well it was predicted earlier in the blog that Santa Cruz would most likely sign, and it became official at approximately 5pm (2am here). Roque Santa Cruz is now a Manchester City player. The 27 year-old becomes the second player to join City this transfer window, and in doing so reunites with the manager that brought him to Blackburn from Bayern Munich.

Hughes was able to get the best out of Rocky, with the Paraguayan bagging 23 goals in his debut season. However in 2008-09 his opportunities were limited, due to injury and a falling out with the Rovers management.

The relationship with Hughes is one of the most important factors in his move, as well as the 'Project', and of course, the cash...

"I'm very happy to have signed for City - it's been close to happening for a while, and now I can just focus on football and concentrate on doing my best for the club.

"I know the kind of football Mark Hughes wants to play and the kind of character he is - he's a winner, he wants to make things happen and be successful. Those are always my thoughts as well, so knowing what he wants was a big factor in coming here, because I know the club is going in the right direction.

"I know his staff and the kind of training they will have the team doing, so everything was very attractive for me.

"The owners want the club to be more successful - they want to break into the top four, and the fact that the fans are so passionate about everything to do with City was also a factor. I am very motivated to play for these fans."

A fee has not been disclosed as yet, but it is reported to be in the vicinity of £16 million.

The Sydney Supporters Club is again proud to bring you these exclusive pictures from the ground. I don't know how we get them so quick, but here is Santa Cruz being unveiled after his medical.