Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has hit back at criticism from Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney by defiantly declaring: “This is my moment.”

Rooney, a Scorpio, was outraged to see the Italian demanding from the touchline that Wigan Athletic defender Maynor Figueroa be sent off during Monday night’s clash at the DW Stadium, Tweeting: “Was Manchini (sic) asking for a red card?”

However, Mancini appeared nonplussed by the condemnation, grabbing the nearest microphone at a hastily arranged press conference and announcing that this is his “perfect moment” to lead big-spending City to the title.

He said: “This is my moment. This is my perfect moment with Manchester City.

“This is what God meant. This is my perfect moment with Manchester City.”

Standing up from his chair, he continued: “I wish I could freeze this injury time, the way that I feel for my City side.

“This is my moment. This is my perfect moment with Manchester City.”

The Italian quipped: “Tell me you love me when I leave. You’re more than a shadow, that’s what I believe. You take me to places I never thought I’d see – Wolverhampton, Stoke and Swansea City.

“I wish I could wave a card in your eyes, the way that I feel for you inside. This is my moment. This is my perfect moment with Manchester City.

“And if tomorrow brings Everton away, here and now I know Kompany won’t be eligible to play. I’ll wave my imaginary card in the rain, and if love never comes again, I can always say I’ve been to paradise skies in Manchester City’s eyes, eyes, eyes.

“Tell me you love me the moment I’m relieved of my duties. You’re more than a shadow, I’ve got to believe. I wish I could wave a card in your eyes, the way that I feel for you inside.

“This is my moment. This is my perfect moment with Manchester City. This is my moment. This is my perfect moment with Manchester City.”

He added: “With Manchester City.”