With the 2012/13 UEFA Champions League season now on the horizon, the latest issue of the official competition magazine, Champions No54, goes behind the scenes at Manchester City FC to look at what lies ahead for Roberto Mancini.

City's Italian manager held his nerve in a dramatic climax to the season to lead his side to Premier League glory in the spring, and now he is hoping that the team can make a significant impact in the UEFA Champions League in the coming months.

Champions also speaks exclusively with Arsenal FC's German centre-back Per Mertesacker and Paris Saint-Germain FC's Alex. Staying in defensive mode, Champions salutes Javier Zanetti, FC Internazionale Milano's record-breaker – one of the game's most humble heroes.

While football takes a summer break, the clubs are signing and selling players during the year's busiest transfer period. Champions goes globetrotting from Uruguay to Gabon in order to unearth the next generation of stars.

The footballing philosophies of Brazil and Italy come under the spotlight – thrilling attacking improvisation and diligent defence. Champions explores the relationship between the two, and looks at why Brazilian players like Kaká, Lúcio and Maicon have lit up Serie A.

Ferenc Puskás revolutionised the game in Europe, conquering the continent with Real Madrid CF. Drawing on letters, journals and even police files, Champions delivers the definitive account of the Hungary legend.

Elsewhere, Champions tables a Basque history of the European Champion Clubs' Cup; examines team-building with APOEL FC, and looks back at the 2011/12 UEFA Champions League season.

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