Speaking to the Premier League World TV programme, Thaksin said: "What I would like to change is that I would like Thai footballers to have the opportunity to play internationally. It is difficult at the moment because Thai clubs are not in the top 70 world ranking, so it is difficult to get a work permit. In my position now I am able to create opportunities for Thai footballers and to get more young Thais interested in football, because sport is important in Thailand and getting young Thai people more interested in sport is essential to the future of the country."

He has also underlined that success on the pitch is the priority for the Club, declaring: "I will do my best to make Manchester City a global brand which in the future, will also incorporate Thai products.

"I would like the Manchester City fan base to grow, and we want to give the fans opportunities to support the club to enable it to grow, making Manchester City a global brand. However, the most important thing is the success of the team at the heart of it, the success of the reputation or the brand of the club is based on the success of the team.

"Manchester was a city I had heard about for a long time but had never visited until I came to negotiate the purchase of the club. From what I have seen, the people are friendly and kind-hearted, I feel very welcome every time I come here, especially from the City fans. I believe that Manchester will become an important tourist destination for Britain, and now that I live here I will help to support and promote the city, not just the football club, I will help to promote Manchester in any way I can."