Pozo
Jose Angel Pozo joined Manchester City from Real Madrid in 2013 Reuters

Manchester City prodigy Jose Angel Pozo has backed his decision to leave the Real Madrid academy for the Etihad Stadium after making a sensational debut for Manuel Pellegrini's side on Wednesday 24 September.

The 18-year-old striker came off the bench in the second half of the Capital One Cup game against Sheffield Wednesday and scored the sixth goal in a 7-0 win.

The Spaniard used to be considered one of the best prospects at the Real Madrid academy but opted to move to the Premier League giants in summer 2013.

Pozo has since impressed at City's academy and even though he struggled with an ankle injury last season, he managed to be the top scorer at the club's Under 21-side.

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"Some people asked why I moved from Real Madrid to here but it is football. I took my decision to come here and I think it is the right decision because I made my debut. I am very happy," he said, according to BT Sport.

"At Real Madrid, it is very difficult because they sign the best players every summer. Also here it is difficult. But I think [Manchester City manager] Manuel [Pellegrini] gives trust to the young players and he makes the young players feel closer to the first team. I think City has very good plans for the future."

After his first goal for City, some people quickly dubbed him the new Lionel Messi but the Spaniard dismissed the comparisons with the Barcelona star.

"This is crazy. Messi is the best player in the world and I have only played one game for the first team," Pozo said.

Meanwhile, Pellegrini lavished praise on the Spaniard, claiming Pozo may have more first-team chances this season.

"Pozo is a really good prospect for us, he's a player we believe in a lot," he said.

"Last season he was unlucky to have an injury in his ankle and it was a long time he was trying to recover. But he has shown a great level, presently. I'm sure he will continue in the squad."

Since City let Alvaro Negredo move to Valencia on transfer deadline day, Pozo could eventually be a useful back-up option for Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic.