MANCHESTER: Roberto Mancini admitted he had thrown in the towel towards the end of the game against Queens Park Rangers yesterday.
Manchester City trailed Queens Park Rangers 2-1 at the Etihad with just minutes to play. With Manchester United leading at Sunderland, a gloomy night beckoned for City and their fans.
However, City refused to give up against a 10-man QPR and goals from Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero sent the stadium into a frenzy.
"Five minutes from the end, I didn't think we'd win this game. But we deserved to win this and the title. We were on top for 20 games and controlled the game today (yesterday) entirely," said the Italian.
"They deserved this. To win it like this is incredible. I don't think I've ever seen a finale like this. We didn't deserve to lose, we had a lot of chances and we deserved to win the game and championship."
Mancini wrote off his side's chances when City trailed United by eight points on April 8.
Not even the most loyal of City fans gave the Blues a chance but on the field the players got their act right and coupled with United's slip in form, City were right back on top again.
"When I said the title was over a few weeks ago it was because I wanted to take the pressure off," Mancini explained.
"I was sure we would have another chance. We now need to improve and I am very happy because for an Italian to win the title here in England is fantastic for all Italian people."
Mancini is already thinking of the future and has warned critics that he was looking to replicate his achievement in Inter Milan where he won seven trophies in four years.
He already has two under his belt in two full seasons at the club as he also won the FA Cup last season. City are planning an onslaught on the European stage next season as well as defending their title.
"The work here is not done. We can become stronger and should work towards that," he added.