Football
Ian Holyman, France correspondent 9y

Eliaquim Mangala vows to prove worth at Manchester City

Eliaquim Mangala is convinced he will eventually shine at Manchester City despite struggling to settle in his first season in England.

France international Mangala, 23, joined City from Porto in a deal reported to be worth around 32 million pounds in the summer.

However, with competition from Martin Demichelis for the place alongside captain Vincent Kompany at the heart of the City defence, Mangala has struggled to establish himself as first-choice under boss Manuel Pellegrini.

A hamstring injury for Kompany meant Mangala did find himself heavily involved during the hectic Christmas period, and he told RMC he is confident he will prove his worth at the Etihad Stadium.

"I'm not worried," he said. "My first season at Porto was also difficult. I didn't play so much and I had to adapt but, after that, things just clicked into place. It'll be the same thing in Manchester.

"I'm learning English. The only problem is that, in the dressing room, I am with French players who speak French all the time so that doesn't help me."

Mangala had joined Porto from Standard Liege in 2011.

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