Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini insists he didn't push Adam Johnson into Sunderland arms.

Mancini insists that it was Johnson's desire for first-team football rather than any concerns over the winger's lifestyle that prompted his departure.

"I didn't tell him to leave," said Mancini. "Adam said he wanted to play always and for this reason I let him go. For me, Adam was an important player but I understand the situation. He is young, he wants to play every game."