If I refused him this opportunity of fulfilling his ambition it would not be good for him or Manchester City Football Club.
It was the right decision. There's no point me sitting here and smoke-screening it because I make the decisions at this football club but taking the day off did not contribute to what we did defensively.
Everything is agreed with Lee Croft financially. I have spoken to him and his agent about football matters. He is quite keen to stay here and hopefully he will be signing within the next day or so.
I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel.
The way I was brought up by my parents and guided through my football life by the influences of various managers means that in some ways I am black and white.
Football's in my blood - and eventually I want to be the one making decisions.
I will do whatever it takes to win a football match.
His return gives England another key to its bow.
In a utopia you want to win matches by several goals and by playing a wonderful brand of football. But that's utopia.