Twice Champions League winner Owen Hargreaves arrived at the Etihad Stadium in August 2011 as the club’s sixth signing of the summer.

Having spent pre-season searching for a new club as a free agent, Hargreaves joined on a free transfer following his release from rivals Manchester United at the end of the 2010/11 campaign.

Born and raised in Canada, the England international made his name in his home country with local club Calgary Foothills and it was here that German giants Bayern Munich spotted the teenager’s potential and offered him the chance to move to the Bundesliga, aged just 16.

After one season, Hargreaves’ side had won both the German Championship and European Champions League, during the same year that the player himself received the highly acclaimed Bravo Award - presented to the most outstanding young European footballer. The 30-year-old finds himself in good company with other winners including Alessandro Del Piero, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Hargreaves added three further league titles and three German Cups to his medal collection during his time in Germany, but sadly, injury blighted the rest of his time on the continent. His appearance in the 2002 World Cup was cut short by injury after only two games and though his superb performances during the 2006 tournament would earn him the England Player of the Year award, a broken leg during the following Bundesliga campaign signalled the end of his Bayern career.

Despite his well renowned struggles with injury, United signed Hargreaves from Munich in 2007. One year later, the Blues new arrival won his second Champions League title and added a Premier League Championship to his own collection. Unfortunately, his injury troubles continued and meant Hargreaves made just 27 league appearances for the club during his four year spell at Old Trafford and ultimately led to his release in 2011. 

In search of a new club and in a bid to prove his injury troubles were behind him, the determined international worked hard on his fitness throughout the summer to make himself a viable capture for any interested club. Hargreaves joined City on the final day of the summer window.

Owen Hargreaves' Gallery

Owen Hargreaves - Goal v Birmingham

Watch Owen's great hit from the edge of the box which broke the deadlock in the Carling Cup tie against Birmingham.

Owen Hargreaves - Post-Match interview

Owen gives us his reaction after beating Birmingham and advancing to the next round of the Carling Cup.

Owen Hargreaves - Exclusive interview part one

Owen describes what his life was like after being hit with injuries, then also says he is looking forward to the future and the new challenges.

Owen Hargreaves - Exclusive interview part two.

Owen believes that success has to be in striking distance in the later stages of the season. The England international goes on to say he would like to take things 'step by step'.