Pablo Zabaleta says Manchester City will always have his heart
Saturday 13 May 2017 14:51, UK
Pablo Zabaleta says he is unsure of his future at City beyond the end of the season but insists that whatever happens, his heart will always be in Manchester.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Manchester City's Sky Live Premier League clash at home to Leicester on Saturday, the right-back, who has been at the Etihad for nine years, insisted that he has plenty more to give the club if his stay were to be extended.
"As a footballer, you always have to be ready to make decisions," he said. "I'm not getting any younger and need to be 100 per cent sure of my decision because when you have a family you have to think of them as well.
"But whatever happens at the end of the season, one thing for sure is my heart will be here and my love for this club is massive. My son was also born here and he's a little Manc! As a player, I've given everything and I love Manchester as a city and I've had my best moments as a player here at the club.
"I'm still 32 and can still give a couple more years more I'm sure, because when you have the passion inside you carry on. The day I cannot feel something inside of myself and I cannot give my all I'll say: 'finished'. As you have to be mature and well prepared for anything."
Zabaleta admitted that City have underperformed under Guardiola this season, and should have been pushing for more than just a Champions League qualification berth at this point. Despite that, the Argentine says that the future is still bright for the club.
"Sometimes with new managers, new players and a new style of play it takes time to adapt," he said. "If you look at Chelsea, they've been more solid with that system and playing three at the back, while also being really clinical in front of goal. It's just worked for them.
"You're not going to win every season, that's the reality here and some of the bigger teams have also been struggling to win trophies. But for a new manager with a new experience and a new league, the future is bright I'm sure of it."
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Zabaleta has been in and out of the side this season and, recently, has seen his right-back spot occupied by the likes of Fernandinho and Jesus Navas.
While he admits it's been frustrating to see midfielders playing out of position in his role, he insists that he's happy with whatever is best for the team and will always be ready to come in if needed.
"I always say big squads can win titles and talents can win games," said Zabaleta. "If you look at City today, we have a really strong squad with two big players in each position, and some of them can play in different positions as well.
"The manager can look to change something because he thinks it's better for the team, and it's not the first time I've been dropped for another player who is not even playing in their natural position.
"But for me the most important thing is always the team. You have to accept when you're dropped and give massive support, and that's it. Then, when you've got the chance, you have to perform well and be ready to keep your place in the starting XI."
