Manchester City signing Nigel de Jong admits he's keen to meet celebrity fan Ricky Hatton, the British boxing champ.

De Jong, quietly spoken off the pitch but all-action on it, said: "I haven't met Ricky Hatton yet, but I know he loves Manchester City and I can't wait to see him.

"I am a big boxing fan so I know all about Ricky and it is obvious that like me he is a real street guy.

"I saw him lose to Mayweather but I liked the mentality he showed to keep on boxing.

"That is the survival instinct I like to see in sportsmen. It is what sport is all about. Ricky wants to fight because that's how he is made.

"Maybe Ricky will invite me down to his gym and we can get in the ring.

"I was a kick boxer when I was younger and I think that is part of Ricky's past as well.

"We will have to see what we can arrange in the future, but it would be great to meet him."