Germany FIFA World Cup™ star Jerome Boateng expects to be playing in the Champions League with his new club Manchester City 12 months from now.

Boateng is one of a quartet of new arrivals at Eastlands, a figure that could swell even further should James Milner and Mario Balotelli join from Aston Villa and Inter Milan respectively.

It is a startling transition which has seen City installed as third favourites for the Premier League title, with only Community Shield rivals Chelsea and Manchester United in front of them.

The ambition from the Blues camp is clear for all to see, which is one of the major reasons why Boateng agreed to the summer transfer from Hamburg even though the only European action Roberto Mancini could tempt him with was the UEFA Europa League. But Boateng does not expect that situation to last long.

"I always wanted to come to England because I like the league very much," he reflected. "Of course, I want to play in the Champions League, but I think with this team, we can do that in a year's time. We must have a good season to get there but we have a great team."

Of course, I want to play in the Champions League, but I think with this team, we can do that in a year's time. We must have a good season to get there but we have a great team.
Jerome Boateng, Manchester City defender

International fixtures dominate this week and City begin their domestic campaign with crucial fixtures against Tottenham and Liverpool, split by a lengthy European trip to Timisoara.

But Boateng was always aware the demands placed upon him in England would be quite high, having been given plenty of advice from brother Kevin-Prince, who played in the top flight with Portsmouth last season.

"In the Premier League, the football is quicker and harder - and that is why I am here," said Boateng, whose cross set up Gareth Barry's first-half opener in City's 2-0 win over Valencia last night. "Without doubt it is the best league in the world. There are just so many great teams - Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham - and that's why I'm here.

"Spain is good but the best players in the world are here, which is why I think England is better. The fact that my brother has played here gives me a little idea of what to expect. I did not see him play very much but he told me to watch the games. I like the league and this is a great opportunity for me to become a better player."