City’s Adam Johnson hit by Dale Roberts’ suicide

Juventus 1 Manchester City 1. City winger Adam Johnson helped the Sky Blues earn a point in Turin against Juventus yesterday and then dedicated the result to his close friend Dale Roberts, confessing he had been hit hard by the suicide of the Rushden and Diamonds keeper, who was found hanged at his Northamptonshire home earlier this week.

“I'm absolutely devastated about Dale's passing. He was a really good friend,” said Johnson. “I grew up with Dale. We were in the same class at school and also played at Middlesbrough together. His parents are friends with my parents and we often went on holiday together.”

Johnson said he hadn’t been sure he’d be able to take to the pitch in Turin until shortly before the Europa League clash. “I almost wasn't going to play but I spoke to the manager and thought it would probably be best if I played,” explained Johnson.

He went on: “Once I got on the pitch I knew that if I didn't play tonight, he'd [Roberts] have had something to say. Hopefully our message on behalf of everyone [was] what a great lad he was, and he'll be missed. I was just a bit gutted I couldn't score, I know he would've wanted me to.”

Instead it was Jo who scored City’s equaliser late in the second half after Nicolo Giannetti had given Juventus the lead two minutes before half-time. Johnson, who had posed a constant threat to the Italians, threaded the ball through to the Brazilian and it was dispatched low into the Juventus net.

The point was enough for City to finish top of group A and ensure an easier draw in the last 32 of the Europa League when the draw is made later today.

Group winners avoid those teams who join the competition having been knocked out of the Champions League group stage - teams such as Spartak Moscow, Ajax and Benfica. “It was very important to finish top of the group,” said City manager Roberto Mancini later. “We have a chance to go all the way, but it is important to have a good draw for the next round, and after that we will see.”

Asked whether he expects wantaway striker Carlos Tevez to be present for the latter stages of the Europa League, Mancini revealed he intends sitting down with the Argentine over the weekend to discuss his future at Eastlands. “It is important I speak to him because I want to understand what he wants to do. I think this can all finish in the next two days... I haven't had this situation before but it can happen at any club, in England or Italy."

Tevez didn’t travel with the squad to Italy but Mancini remains hopeful he can persuade the 26-year-old frontman to see out the remaining three years of his contract rather than return to Argentina. “He is our player and I hope he continues to play and score for us.” ·