Benjani surprised to leave

The Zimbabwe forward had been in fine form for Pompey in the first half of the season but was sold to City on transfer deadline day in order to fund a move for Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe.

"It was never my choice to leave Pompey because of the special relationship that I had with the supporters, with my team-mates and with the coach," he told Zimbabwean newspaper The Herald.

The transfer almost did not happen because Benjani was reported to have arrived at City too late, but it was later sanctioned by Premier League officials who agreed all the necessary paperwork had been completed in time.

"I was very happy at Pompey and I think this season I showed that I had settled down well and I was beginning to produce the goals for the club," said Benjani, who had scored 12 goals in the league for the Fratton Park club this season.

"There are some things in football that are more important than money and one of those things is a special relationship a player can enjoy with the supporters and the coach.

"I had all that at Portsmouth and I was really enjoying myself playing football in a very good environment and knowing that everyone was happy with what I was doing for the club."

The 29-year-old admits he was surprised to learn of his proposed move just two days before the January 31 deadline.

"I was shocked when I was told on Tuesday that I was going to be sold to Manchester City before the transfer window closed," he said. "I did not know the two clubs had been talking about a transfer and I only knew on Tuesday that there were plans for me to go elsewhere.

"I asked for the reason why I was being sold and they told me that it was a good business deal since Manchester City were paying a lot of money -- especially considering my age -- and they could also get younger players in return."