"Manchester City is leading the way in tapping into the reservoir of football talent in Asia. One of my particular hopes is that young Asian players, who show great promise, can find a life in professional football through Manchester City.

"It's my hope that they will become as famous in their own country as our City star Sun Jihai is to China and that young Chinese prospects will follow his shining example.

"Jihai has helped City become a better known club in China."

The former Prime Minister of Thailand is hopeful Eriksson will sign Asian players in the near future, but insists he will not bring them to the City of Manchester stadium unless they are good enough.

Thaksin added: "For the moment, I'm doing my best to persuade Sven to sign Asian players. But, let me be clear, Sven signs no one unless they are good enough to play for Manchester City.

"I want young players from all over the world, particularly young Asian players, to aspire to play for City and we must develop the structure and means for them to do so."