Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has claimed responsibility for his side's exit from the Europa League.
The Sky Blues crashed out of the competition on away goals, despite beating Sporting Lisbon 3-1 on the night.
Mario Balotelli conceded a free-kick which led to the Portuguese side's opener, but Mancini insists that his players were not at fault.
"Yes, I was disappointed with him because he conceded this free-kick," said the City boss. "But it's not his fault we lost this game. I'm the manager and it is my fault, it is not Mario's fault or other players.
"The players did everything on the pitch. I said at half time we can go and try because in football never say never if you score two in 20 minutes."
Mancini went on to say that his side were "fantastic" in the second half, and praised the club's supporters.
"The second half was fantastic. I'm disappointed and I'm sorry for the supporters because they deserve to go to the next stage," he added.
City's rivals Manchester United were also knocked out of the competition this evening, going down 2-1 to Athletic Bilbao.
Mark Langshaw
