City sign former United star Hargreaves

Posted Thursday, September 01, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Manchester City completed their shock swoop for Owen Hargreaves on Wednesday as the injury-plagued former Manchester United midfielder signed a one-year contract with the Premier League club.

Hargreaves was released by United at the end of last season after the champions rejected his offer to play for free following a miserable four-year spell at Old Trafford.

The former England star suffered a series of knee injuries following his move to United from Bayern Munich in 2007 and spent much of the close-season trying to convince potential employers that he was still capable of playing at the highest level.

City believe Hargreaves is completely recovered from his knee surgeries and they put the finishing touches to the deal after the 30-year-old passed an extensive medical over the last 24 hours.

"Owen Hargreaves has become the latest of Roberto Mancini's summer signings," a statement on City's website confirmed.

"The England midfielder joins as a free agent having left Manchester United at the end of last season. He has put pen to paper on a one-year contract and will train on Thursday."