Pellegrini targeting Champion send-off

Manuel Pellegrini (front) and his successor Pep Guardiola

MANUEL Pellegrini believes the best way for him to bow out at Manchester City is by winning the Champions League.

The Chilean is stepping aside as manager to make way for Pep Guardiola at the end of the season.

Pellegrini has won three trophies in three years and wants to add another.

Increasingly it is looking like the Champions League might be the only credible option, with City now 12 points behind Leicester in the premier league title race.

Asked if he wanted to leave on a trophy–winning high, the 62–year–old said: “For me, leaving at the end of the season and not leaving at the end of the season are exactly the same.

“I feel the same responsibility, the same desire to continue further in the Champions League. For me it’s important and for the club it’s important, for the fans and the players to try to continue in the Champions League as far as possible.”

Pellegrini believes his squad is capable of winning the competition. Midfielder Yaya Toure is set to return for City after missing Saturday’s frustrating goalless Barclays Premier League draw at Norwich with a heel injury.