Mancini's son joins Valladolid - Son of City boss given Spain chance after being released by father

Posted Wednesday, August 01, 2012 by skysports.com

Mancini's son joins Valladolid - Son of City boss given Spain chance after being released by father
Roberto Mancini: Released his own son but Andrea Mancini now has new chance at Valladolid

Andrea Mancini, former Manchester City striker and son of City boss Roberto Mancini, has signed for Spanish team Valladolid B.

The 19-year-old, who was released by the Premier League champions at the end of last season after brief loan spells at Oldham and Italian side Fano, has signed a one-year deal at the club.

Although Mancini will take his place in the reserve set-up, he is also eligible to feature for the senior side who were promoted to the Primera Division last season.

The Italian's ambition is to force his way into the first team as soon as possible.

Mancini told AS: "It is something very important for me. Valladolid is a good team in the Spanish league and I am going to have to work hard.

"I have to win my chance in the youth team to play in the Primera with Valladolid, but if I work hard I don't see any reason why it can't happen.

"My great-grandmother, who died when I was a child, always told me she was from Valladolid although I personally don't know the city.

"However, it seems very nice and the stadium and infrastructure are excellent. It is clear this is a team that belongs to the Spanish league."

Weight

Andrea realises he faces a challenge to be remembered for his own footballing ability rather than that of his father but he is determined to work as hard as possible.

"The name is a huge weight." he added.

"My father was a fantastic player and is a great coach too, but I want to work and to vindicate myself. I hope that one day they will remember me as Andrea Mancini.

"I am sure my dad will follow my progress closely, although he won't be able to come and watch me.

"My dream would be to debut in the first game of the season with Valladolid and that my dad could come to the stadium.

"He told me to take advantage of such a big opportunity to play in a team in the Spanish league, to work harder than anyone and improve as a player, to listen to the coach and learn from the experience."