Stoke City boss Mark Hughes is proud of his record at Manchester City.
The Welshman was sacked in controversial circumstances in December 2009 to make way for Roberto Mancini, but insists that the experience has made him a better manager.
"Some will think I was not the right man at the time but in the circumstances I don't think anyone could have done any better," said Hughes.
My time there was more difficult than I thought it would be as there were a lot of changes going on, some for the better, some for worse. I had to navigate my way through that.
"It was difficult on occasions but I don't regret it. After the experience I was a better manager for it. I learned a lot in terms of where I was and how you deal with people.
"I was getting certain assurances from the previous ownership about money that was going to be spent and that wasn't quite the case.
"When I went into Man City they were at a different level; they were a Premier League team but a lot of the pillars you need to be a top European team weren't in place.
"I look at the players I brought there in the end and Kompany, Zabaleta and (Joleon) Lescott have been a big part of what they've done. They've helped City win the Premier League.
"It was a difficult time but exhilarating on occasions. I felt it there was time for me to stay there a little bit longer but, unfortunately, I gave them the opportunity to dispense with my services."
