London - Manchester City midfielder Elano launched an stinging attack on manager Mark Hughes on Tuesday, demanding to know why he is being left out of the Premier League team.

"When I am playing I know what he wants and when I come off there is nothing from him," he told Sky Sports News.

"It's his right, he is the manager. I respect him and I will keep working, arriving on time and doing my duties at the club, but my sadness is not playing.

"I can't hide that from the fans or the president - who wants to make this a big club. I think I have the capabilities to be playing."

Elano joined City in summer 2007 and soon became a cult figure with fans. But his form tailed off towards the end of last season.

With the club having been taken over by the Abu Dhabi United Group, and a raft of signings expected in January, Elano is desperate to have the opportunity to prove his worth.

"City have a big project, they have something which not many clubs have at the moment - money," he said.

"I want to help by playing. I respect everyone here. I have many friends here and get on with the team 100 per cent. I respect the manager a lot but I cannot be happy if I don't play." (dpa)