City Boss Mancini Visits Holy Site as Title Race Heats up

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini made a pilgrimage to the site of a miracle as his side fights for the Premier League title with neighbours Manchester United.

Mancini, a devout Catholic, visited the holy village of Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to six schoolchildren in 1981.

Mancini said he was visiting the place "as a pilgrim" as his father Aldo, 76, recovered from a cardiac arrest.

"I have been very religious since I was a young boy. But I would not say that God or the Virgin Mary help me in my career. They have more important stuff to do," the Sun quoted Mancini as saying.

"But I believe Manchester City will win the league," the Italian added.

With just eight matches to go, City are three points behind league leaders Manchester United. The title could be decided when Sir Alex Ferguson's team visits the Etihad for a crucial derby match on 1 May.