Mancini eyes beginning of dynasty

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes the club's FA Cup success is just the start, with Yaya Toure's goal ending a 35-year wait for silverware with a 1-0 win over Stoke City.

Mancini said: "I can say only that I'm very happy for all the supporters. After many years they deserve to win this trophy. I didn't feel we dominated this game. We need to improve but we are very happy. We did a small piece of history of Manchester City. We start now.''

When asked if the cup victory felt devalued by rivals Manchester United winning the title just before kick-off, Mancini said: "Absolutely not. In England there are three competitions, the Premier League, Carling Cup and FA Cup. We won the FA Cup. It is an important trophy. We need to improve more to do another step (win the title) but it was important to start to win because when you start to win, afterwards everything will be easier.

"We want to try (to match United). We have got to the Champions League, that was our first target and we won the FA Cup. It is very important for this club.''

On whether the drinks would be flowing Mancini, whose side play Stoke again in the Premier League on Tuesday, also said: "No, they know that we should play in three days. We have another two games and we want to try if possible to get third position.

"This night all the people in Manchester are happy. Next year we will see. It is important we finish well this season. We can try to play for the top with the other teams but this Premier League is very difficult because Liverpool and Tottenham are also very strong teams.''

Mancini singled out goalscorer Toure, whose basic pay packet is reported to be the biggest in the Premier League, for special praise. Mancini said: "We bought him for this. He is a fantastic player. He scored in the semi-final and the final. All season he has played very well.''

Mancini also expressed his belief that captain Carlos Tevez would be remaining with the club, despite suggestions he will leave this summer. He said: "Carlos has a five-year contract with us. I think that he will stay. I don't think he wants to leave."

Controversial striker Mario Balotelli, who shrugged off a physical collision with Robert Huth in the first half and was then named as man of the match, also impressed Mancini. Mancini said: "Balotelli played very well. This trophy for him could be important. It can help him to improve like a man and as a player.''

Toure was ecstatic after his goal won the FA Cup. Toure blasted home the only goal of the game in the 75th minute.

He told ITV1: "The dream is now ... It's fantastic to win. It's fantastic for the history of the club. We wanted to win something and get through to the Champions League. It's amazing.''

Striker Mario Balotelli was named man of the match and said: "I'm happy. I said to the guys before the game 'we're better than them, we have to respect them and give everything and if we do we're going to win'.''

Asked if it was his best performance of the season, he said: "All my season was s*** - can I say that? I've played not very well, but today maybe I played more for the team.''

Goalkeeper Joe Hart declared Manchester City had "shut up'' all of their critics after winning the FA Cup and ending their 35-year wait for a major trophy.

Hart said: "It feels amazing. Tuesday night was an amazing feeling and, obviously, today's an amazing feeling. Great season, great people and great fans. Buzzing. Champions League's important for the club. Getting a trophy that shut everyone up is important for the fans and for us.

"It was what we wanted to do but it's easier said than done and we've gone out and done it. I'm pretty sure there are a few people who didn't want us to do it and we've done it - so who cares?

"I couldn't care less what they do at Old Trafford. I'm annoyed even to say their name today because it's got nothing to do with them. It's about us, it's about Man City winning the FA Cup, Man City getting in the Champions League. So 'bothered' what they do.''

Hart also hailed matchwinner Yaya Toure, who was also the semi-final hero having previously taken flak for his performances on a salary reported to be the highest in the country. He said: "Huge goals, huge player. He cost a lot and I imagine he's paid a lot.

"He's come up with the goods so no-one can question that guy. He done great for us and we're happy for him.''

City were well worth their win their victory this afternoon and Hart said: "We've absolutely hammered them today and I think there's only one result. But, fair play to Stoke, they were totally resilient and they made a great game of it. It was a great spectacle but the better team won.''

And Hart believes City are only heading in one direction.

"I'd like to think so,'' he said. "It was really hard to get fourth spot, really hard to get the trophy today. But we've done it and long may it continue.''

Defender Micah Richards was lost for words after City's triumph. He said: "It's unbelievable. Words can't describe it. We've worked hard all season. Now it's happened, it's unbelievable. This is the first one and this is the most important. We've got to build on this.''

Midfielder Adam Johnson added: "Take a little look at what it means to the fans - 35 years of wait and we did it.''

Manchester City will hold a victory parade around the city on May 23 to celebrate winning the FA Cup. The event will start at 1800 BST on the day after the end of the current Premier League season and will give City supporters the chance to celebrate their first major trophy since their League Cup success in 1976.

Garry Cook, City's chief executive officer, hailed the achievements of the team and thanked Manchester City Council for their invitation to parade the trophy.

"Saturday was a truly historic occasion for Manchester City Football Club and we are delighted to be bringing the FA Cup trophy back to Manchester,'' he said. "We are extremely grateful to Manchester City Council for their invitation to parade the trophy, and we are looking forward to seeing as many of our wonderful supporters as possible lining the streets of the city next Monday.''

The council's invitation follows their earlier announcement that they would also organise a parade for Premier League winners Manchester United and Sir Richard Leese, the leader of Manchester City Council, said it was 'fitting' to allow Roberto Mancini's side the chance to honour their triumph along with their fans.

"City winning the FA Cup is a joyous occasion for many people in Manchester, myself included. It's only fitting that we host a public celebration of that achievement so fans can share the moment and enjoy the success,'' he said. "Manchester's football clubs are a huge source of pride, helping to project the city's name around the world, and we expect some unforgettable scenes on 23 May as thousands of City fans gather to acclaim their team.''