The then-Manchester United striker persuaded the ex-England defender to leave Everton for the Etihad Stadium.
Wayne Rooney convinced Joleon Lescott to join Manchester United's arch-rivals Manchester City in 2009 at the start of the club's revival.
England international Lescott moved to the Etihad Stadium from Everton for a reported £22 million [$29m] prior to the turn of the decade.
Forming a formidable partnership with Vincent Kompany at the heart of the City back-four, the centre-back won four major honours during five seasons at the club.
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Among that silverware was the 2011-12 Premier League title - their first top-flight championship for 44 years - which is regarded as the most important moment of their meteoric rise.