Juventus 1 Manchester City 1|

FORMER Middlesbrough player Adam Johnson helped Manchester City to finish top of Group A in the Europa League last night, then admitted he almost didn’t play.

It was an emotional night for Johnson, who admitted he was close to pulling out following the death of his childhood friend Dale Roberts.

The Rushden and Diamonds goalkeeper died on Tuesday, aged 24. Roberts is from Horden and Johnson hails from Easington.

‘‘It was hard before the game trying to play,’’ said Johnson, whose cross set up the equaliser for Jo.

City manager Roberto Mancini expressed his delight after his team topped the group.

They will now go into the hat for the round of 32 today in confident mood.

City edged out Lech Poznan on goal difference to claim pole position after Niccolo Giannetti had opened the scoring for Juventus.

However, Mancini’s men battled back in the second half, with Jo pulling them level in the 77th minute with a cool finish.

Mancini said: ‘‘I am very happy, because we wanted this, and it was very important to finish top of the group.

‘‘We have a chance to go all the way, but it is important to have a good draw for the next round.

‘‘Juventus have a good team, and we started very well. It was strange to concede the goal, but we played well.

‘‘I did not expect to play against such a strong Juventus team. Our players showed good character, and we hope to carry on like this. But in the end I think we deserved a draw, minimum.’’ It was Jo’s second goal in the competition, and Mancini was pleased for a player who once seemed surplus to requirements.

‘‘I have known Jo for five years,’’ said the City boss.

‘‘He played against Inter in the Champions League and scored two goals.

“He was young, but he was a good player, and he is still a good player. He has done very well, so I am pleased he has scored tonight.’’ City included a number of fringe players in their starting line-up, including young striker Alex Nimely.

Johnson said: ‘‘I think a lot of players wanted to prove themselves and show what they could do. With the chances we created we should have scored a few more goals.”