Man City: 9 out of 10 Reyna friends recommend it

Recently departed midfielder Claudio Reyna has defended his eleventh-hour move to Manchester City when he was on the point of signing for Fulham.

Cottagers' boss Chris Coleman last week told of his anger when he heard that Reyna had had a change of heart even after being photographed wearing a Fulham shirt: "As far as I was concerned yesterday he was a Fulham player. Then two hours later I take a phone call saying there was a snag in the deal. Four hours later he was a Man City player. He was with me at the training ground yesterday and then later that night he was a Manchester City player - I am bitterly disappointed by the whole incident."

But Reyna hit back today, saying he had every right to consider all offers available to him.

'Captain America' told ESPN today, "'I understand why Fulham were upset because I was in deep discussions with them and I didn't join. I got a call from Kevin Keegan and then I had a decision to make.

"I spoke to a lot of people and nine out of 10 told me City was the best place to go. From a footballing perspective there wasn't much in it but I have made the right choice."

And Reyna revealed that whilst publicly, he was fully expected to be playing for Sunderland this season, the club had told him relatively early that he could leave. "'Sunderland had told me I could speak to other clubs virtually as soon as I reported for pre-season training."

Reyna's new boss, Kevin Keegan, backed up his new man's sentiments. "He hadn't signed a contract and he wasn't registered, so he was perfectly entitled to talk with who he liked.

"We weren't even in the market for him until 11am last Thursday (Aug 28th) when the chairman put the money up.

"I immediately spoke to his agent, who said he was reluctant to contact Claudio. I just pointed out that he should be told Manchester City were there for him. "