Adam Johnson has refuted talk he could quit Man City unless he secures regular first-team football.
City winger not looking to quit Eastlands
Adam Johnson has refuted suggestions he is mulling over quitting Manchester City unless he secures regular first-team football.
The England winger has been one of the club's better performers this term, although he has featured more as a substitute than a starter so far.
It had been intimated that Johnson would consider his future unless he won more starts, although having read his quotes he now wants to clarify that he is not looking to leave.
The former Middlesbrough man has an excellent rapport with the fans and wants City's supporters to understand that he is merely frustrated at not being constantly on the pitch helping the team.
Hurtful
"The first thing I thought, when you read something like that, is the fans will think I want to get away," he told the club's
official website. "That hurt, because I care more about what the fans think than what anybody else thinks.
"I think the fans understand that I just want to play. When I play I try to give 100 per cent every time, and I think that comes across in the way that I play. I've had a few texts, mostly light-hearted.
"I think the fans want me to be playing, but there's a quality squad at this club and we all have to fight for our place. That's how it is, and I have to accept that. But it's great to have that rapport with our fans.
"I said something in a moment of frustration and things can get blown out of proportion. I am happy here. I love playing football more than anything, and I'd love to play in every game."
Johnson has enjoyed City life from the first moment he stepped through the door and he accepts that with competition for places high at the club he is not guaranteed regular football.
Clicked
The 23-year-old sees his long-term future with Roberto Mancini's side and he is just hoping to play at much as possible so that he can help the team to return to winning ways.
"I came up through the ranks at Middlesbrough, but from the day I stepped in the door here for my first game, everything just seemed to click with the fans," he continued.
"Every time I warm up on the touchline they're singing my name. That's the best thing for me about being a substitute. I hate being on the bench, but the reception I get when I warm up makes it a bit better!
"But football has its ups and downs, and as a young player you have to learn to deal with that. My future is here long-term, without a doubt. I've only been here eight months but my career has already changed for the better.
"It would be stupid to want to leave. In an ideal world, I'd play every game to help the club succeed. Hopefully we'll start the ball rolling and win something this season. I just want to play my part and make everyone happy."
