Sven Goran Eriksson has assured Manchester City fans they will be a Champions League competitor within three seasons.
Said the Swede: "I have had a meeting with Dr Thaksin and I promise you the plans they have for this club... well, I had to sit down I was so surprised.
"They were much bigger than even I thought they might be but it is fantastic and in three years I am sure we will be a Champions League club, I have no doubts about that."
Eriksson added: "The owners are ambitious and like me they want to see the club in Europe.
"We have done well in such a short time and whenever it is that I leave City I hope the fans will say I did a good job, that is the most important thing. And I hope we can fill our trophy room."