10 forgotten Manchester City players from the Premier League era

Manchester City have been English football's dominant force in recent years but have not always found life so rosy.

City endured years of suffering in the Premier League era prior to Sheikh Mansour's 2008 takeover, which brought heavy spending and no shortage of silverware.

While the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero have established themselves as club icons, not every player achieved the same level of notoriety.

Here are 10 players you may have forgotten pulled on the City shirt.

Frank Lampard (2014-15)

One of Chelsea's all-time greats, it is easy to forget Frank Lampard's final season in English football was actually spent with Manchester City.

Arriving at the Etihad on loan from New York City FC for the 2014-15 campaign, the iconic midfielder netted eight goals in 38 appearances across all competitions — including an awkward one against his former club.

Patrick Vieira (2009-11)

Another player who achieved legendary status at a Premier League rival, former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira finished his career at City just like Lampard.

The French midfield powerhouse notched up 46 appearances in Manchester across two seasons before hanging up his boots in 2011.

Jerome Boateng (2010-11)

German international defender Jerome Boateng won nine Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues with Bayern Munich after his fleeting spell with the Citizens.

Largely played out of position at right-back, Boateng made 24 appearances in England during 2010-11 and picked up an FA Cup winners medal despite missing the final through injury.

Maicon (2012-13)

Flying full-back Maicon made his name with both Inter Milan and Brazil but he also enjoyed a solitary season with the Citizens in 2012-13.

The 76-cap Selecao international struggled with injury during his time in England and headed back to Italy with Roma after just 13 outings in all competitions.

Owen Hargreaves (2011-12)

Premier League fans will remember former Bayern Munich ace Owen Hargreaves making Premier League appearances for Manchester United — but he also represented their noisy neighbours.

The 42-cap England international joined City after being released by United due to injury issues and sadly those problems continued, restricting him to just four appearances in sky blue.

Wilfried Bony (2015-17)

Ivorian striker Wilfried Bony enjoyed a prolific spell with Swansea but was unable to replicate that success with City.

Bony became the most expensive African ever in 2015 but the £25million signing was soon made available for transfer by Pep Guardiola, eventually ending an 18-month stay with 11 goals in 46 outings.

Kasper Schmeichel (2006-09)

Though Kasper Schmeichel will always be remembered for his role Leicester's fairytale Premier League title win, his formative years were spent in Manchester.

The Danish goalkeeper progressed through City's youth system but made just 10 senior appearances and after five loan spells, eventually left permanently for Notts County.

Dietmar Hamann (2006-09)

Another midfielder who headed to Manchester for a career swansong, Dietmar Hamann enjoyed a productive three years with City prior to hanging up his boots.

The Liverpool cult hero added crucial experience to a side struggling in mid-table between 2006 and 2009 in what proved his last top-level stint before retirement.

Robbie Fowler (2003-06)

Just like Hamann, the defining period of Robbie Fowler's career was spent at Anfield but he also enjoyed a strong three seasons on the blue side of Manchester.

The legendary marksman bagged a respectable 27 goals in 92 appearances between 2003 and 2006 before making an emotional return to Merseyside.

Ben Mee (2010-12)

No-nonsense defender Ben Mee has gone on to make over 250 Premier League appearances in a fine career which surprisingly started at Manchester City.

Making just one senior outing for the Blues, Mee has gone on to enjoy a solid pro career which will be best remembered for his key role in Sean Dyche's Burnley backline.