Manchester City’s top 5 academy graduates

– Manchester City open new Dhs1.1 billion training complex

Shaun Wright-Phillips

Came to the club at 17 and rose through the ranks to become a first-team star before joining Chelsea for £21m. The pacy England winger then returned for a second spell at City in 2008 before moving to QPR three years later and is still at Loftus Road.

Stephen Ireland
Started at City as a 15-year-old and developed into a classy midfielder. The Irishman was the club’s Player of the Year in 2009, but following the arrival of big-money signings, he left for Aston Villa in 2010 for £8m. Now at Stoke.

Micah Richards
Despite being out on loan at Fiorentina, the full-back, 26, is currently the club’s longest-serving player having been with them since 2001. A powerful defender who gained England honours too.

Daniel Sturridge
Widely regarded as the one who got away as City were unable to keep the striker when his contract ran out in 2009 having come through the youth ranks. After being frustrated at not being a first-team regular at Chelsea, the 25-year-old has now become the attacking spearhead for Liverpool and England.

Joey Barton
Spent a decade at City as he graduated from the academy into the first team. But the combative midfielder’s early career was blighted by indiscipline and off-field problems. He left for Newcastle in 2007 and is now starring for QPR.