Johnson: If not for Man City I would have joined Sunderland

Manchester City winger Adam Johnson admits he came close to joining hometown club Sunderland in January.

Johnson struck against Sunderland on Sunday to rescue a point for City.

He said: "My family didn't really know what to do, to celebrate or whatever. But it was my first goal for the club and that is all that matters.

"I have to be thankful I've finally got off the mark, as I'm a City player now.

"I wish Sunderland all the best, though. If it hadn't been City for me, it would have been Sunderland.

"Our aim now is to put a run together towards the end of the season. We still have games in hand and the Champions League in our sights."