Former Indianapolis Colts general manager Bil Polian has hit back at owner Jim Irsay for suggesting that his sides weren't well-rounded enough to win Super Bowls.

Under Polian the Colts reached the post-season 11 times with Peyton Manning at quarterback, but despite putting up large offensive numbers the team only won the Super Bowl once in the 2006 season.

"My Lord, we won more games for 10 years than any team in the history of the league," Polian told ESPN. "Eleven playoff appearances in 13 years so, you know, that's the definition of winning."

Polian also revealed that Manning wanted to remain at the Colts before he was released and joined the Denver Broncos allowing Irsay to draft Andrew Luck.

He added: "He wanted to stay very badly right up until the end. They cut him. My heart would be with the Broncos all the way."

The Colts take on the Broncos on Sunday.