The Paraguayan's £18million arrival at Eastlands may have been overshadowed by the on-going fuss over bids to sign Samuel Eto'o and Carlos Tevez but it represented the end of a 12-month pursuit by manager Mark Hughes.

Having spent just £3million on the South American to bring him to Blackburn from Bayern Munich two years ago, Hughes clearly knew what he was getting.

And after two attempts to secure a deal failed, Santa Cruz was at least lifted out of his gloom by knowing he was wanted at Eastlands.

"I know how passionate and excited the fans are," he said.

"I heard it on the radio when the fans were ringing up talking about the possibility of me coming here.

"It took 40 or 50 minutes to get to Manchester, so I always used to listen to the radio, initially to improve my English.

"It was very helpful to listen to things about football and it was interesting to hear what the fans said about the fact I might join City."

Santa Cruz realises the expectations at City this season will be far greater than they were 12 months ago, when the Abu Dhabi-based consortium completed their takeover.

His manager knows it as well, and does not disagree with them, which is why he views Santa Cruz as so crucial to his plans given the South American brings with him the experience gained by spending seven seasons at Bayern Munich.

Those seven years brought five Bundesliga titles amid a general dominance of the German game.

However, asked what one at City would be the equivalent of, Santa Cruz's response is fairly clear.

"To win one here would be like 10 times there," he said.

"At Bayern there was an obligation to win titles and we did it five times.

"I have no doubt it would be sweeter to win one here."

Before completing his move, Santa Cruz had a chat with one-time team-mate Owen Hargreaves, who is currently trying to recover from a double knee operation.

Close at Bayern, the pair's friendship has been maintained in the north-west, even if there is now an added edge to their chats.

"I did speak to Owen and he is very happy I am staying in Manchester," said Santa Cruz.

"We have always had a good time together. He is a good friend - and now a rival."