Eliaquim Mangala has insisted that criticism does not affect him following a difficult first campaign with Manchester City.

The French defender, who cost £32m when he was signed by Porto last summer, struggled to find his best form for much of the season, but he is confident that he can handle the pressure that comes with the price tag.

"People focus on the price," he told L'Equipe. "I do not think it's a drag, but certainly in terms of the level of your performance, you are looked at differently. I live very well with that.

"This has been a good season of adaptation, because it was a bit difficult physically the first three months. And whether you play against the first or last in the Premier League, it's the same intensity."

City's agreement with Porto could mean that Mangala eventually costs the club more than £40m.

Written by
Callum Mulvihill