The summer arrivals of Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz meant the Ecuador striker's first-team chances were limited.

As a result the club have allowed the 20-year-old to join Sporting on a season-long loan deal.

"My objective is to play and to demonstrate that I can triumph in Europe," Caicedo told skysports.com.

"City have many forwards who have arrived this summer and they have complicated my presence.

"For me it is difficult to get in the starting XI at City and the opportunity to go to Sporting is a personal challenge to me.

"I don't think it will be a problem to adapt to life in Portugal and the possibility to play in the Champions League appeals to me."

Caicedo is the second City striker to go out on loan this summer after Brazilian Jo was allowed to return to Everton, where he spent the second half of last season, for another campaign.

But even with youngster Ched Evans also reportedly on the verge of a permanent move to Coca-Cola Championship side Sheffield United it still leaves Mark Hughes with seven forwards to choose from.

Last summer's British transfer record signing Robinho, Craig Bellamy, the injury-plagued Valeri Bojinov and Benjani Mwaruwari are the others.