Nigel de Jong has paid tribute to former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini for "laying the foundations" of the club's success.
Mancini took over as manager in December 2009 and ended City's 34 year wait for a trophy when he delivered the FA Cup in 2011.
The following season under the Italian’s management they went on to win the Premier League, and former City midfielder De Jong insists it was Mancini’s blueprint that gave the club the platform to continue their success over the years.
“He was a proper Italian you know! Fashion-wise, up to date with stuff he was doing, his diet," he told Manchester City's official club website.
“He changed also the menu for the team, he brought in his own chef, so there was no breakfast with baked beans and eggs for example, no fry ups with HP sauce anymore!
“He was an interesting figure. When he came in, he laid a foundation defensively. Before then, we were always conceding, had quality up front but never felt like a team. So, when he came in, he brought in that defensive mentality and structure to the team.
“He changed the culture of City and I don’t think he gets enough credit for laying down the foundation for the success the club has right now.”
Mancini was sacked as City boss in 2013 after ending the season without a trophy and finishing second to rivals Manchester United in the Premier League.
His successor, Manuel Pellegrini was appointed later that summer.
