Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson has 'thanked' Joey Barton for saving the club last season.

The Newcastle midfielder infuriated City fans last week by claiming that had it not been for himself, Richard Dunne and Micah Richards, the Blues would not be revelling in the revival effected by the Thaksin Shinawatra takeover and subsequent investment.

Eriksson, asked about Barton's comments said, deadpan: "I really don't have any feelings about last season because I did not follow City then. But if that is the case, I would like to say 'Thank you.'"