Mancini wants 'champion' Rooney

The Italian manager has admitted that he would love to bring the United forward to the Etihad Stadium, and would sign Ryan Giggs too if he were a few years younger.Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has expressed his admiration for Wayne Rooney ahead of Monday's crucial derby against Manchester United, admitting that he would love to sign the talismanic forward.The former Everton youngster came close to leaving Old Trafford in 2010 after submitting a written transfer request, with City heading the queue for his signature.However, Rooney eventually committed his future to the club, and recently overtook legends George Best and Dennis Viollet to move fourth in the list of Red Devils' all-time top scorers.Nevertheless, the City manager had no doubts as to which player he would choose when asked who he would take from their title rivals, telling France Football:  “Rooney. He’s a champion."The Liverpudlian was followed closely by Ryan Giggs in Mancini's estimation, with only the veteran Welshman's age counting against him."I’d take Ryan Giggs as well if he could play for five or six more years,” Mancini added.The Italian also defended his club's extravagant spending, insisting that his side are merely making up for lost time.“United, Liverpool and Arsenal have spent a lot more than City over the last 10 years,” he concluded.