Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has revealed how close they came to signing Roma great Daniele de Rossi.

The Italian midfielder pulled out of the transfer at the last minute, says Mancini.

“We spent one whole night in Rome talking," Mancini told Il Messaggero.

“It was all done, but he pulled out at the last minute. He called me and told me: 'I can't go through with it.'

“I was hurt and angry. It happened such a long time ago, when Daniele was in the middle of his career.

“He would have enjoyed himself. I considered him to be a crucial player."