Manchester City's Santa Cruz hoping to remain at Real Betis

Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz has revealed he would like to remain at Real Betis, after spending last season on loan at the La Liga side.

The Paraguay international joined newly-promoted Betis on a temporary deal last summer after finding himself behind the likes of Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli, Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko.

With John Guidetti also expected to feature in the first-team next season, following an impressive loan spell at Feyenoord, Cruz is hoping to remain at the Benito Villamarin beyond the end of the current campaign.

Speaking at a club sponsorship event, the 30-year-old said: “I'm fine here and I want to stay and there will be talks, hopefully in the coming weeks, with my agent.

“It is important to see them [City] face negotiations with a smile on their face. The club has made a major investment in me and is entitled to see something in exchange.

“They do not want to give away players, many players are in a situation like mine.

“But Betis have my word that I will do everything possible to stay, although it depends on City."

The former Bayern Munich man made 33 appearances in La Liga for Betis this season, netting seven goals as they secured a 13th-place finish after two seasons in the Spanish Segunda Division.