Manchester City should never have sold Daniel Sturridge to Chelsea, according to manager Roberto Mancini.

The 22-year-old striker moved to Stamford Bridge before the Italian took charge of the club in 2009.

"I know Sturridge well, I have watched him many times," said Mancini. "Given the chance I think I would have liked to have kept him, but now he is at Chelsea we can do nothing. I know for sure he was one of the best young players that was here."

Sturridge has scored nine goals in 20 Premier League appearances for Chelsea this season.