Manchester City confirm Pablo Zabaleta exit


Pablo Zabaleta will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, the club have confirmed.

Zabaleta and City have reached a mutual agreement that his contract, which ends in July, will not be extended.

The Argentine signed for City from Espanyol in 2008, one day before the Abu Dhabi takeover, and has played a major role in establishing the club as one of the biggest in England.

The announcement that he will leave the Etihad Stadium comes five years to the day since City clinched their first Premier League title against Queens Park Rangers, with Zabaleta scoring the opening goal in a famous 3-2 victory.

In total the 32-year-old has won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups during his time in English football.

"Pablo Zabaleta will leave City at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on an incredible nine-year association with the Blues," the club wrote in a statement published on their official website.

"The 58-times capped Argentina international is out of contract in the summer and has informed the Club he will move to pastures new, but leave behind many happy memories.

"Fans will have the opportunity to show their appreciation for one of the Club’s most loyal and loved servants of recent times against West Brom on Tuesday evening, which will be Pablo’s last home appearance.

"Though there are a number of first-team player contracts currently under consideration, Pablo's situation is the only one that has been fully finalised.

"One of the most popular players of recent times, Pablo has been a firm crowd favourite with the City supporters who have resonated with his passion, heart and willingness to put his body on the line time and time again."

Zabaleta is one of seven City players out of contract this summer, alongside Willy Caballero, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, Tosin Adarabioyo, Yaya Toure and Jesus Navas.

Navas and Adarabioyo have been offered new deals, while it is understood Toure and Caballero are yet to hear about their futures beyond this summer.

Sagna and Clichy are expected to follow Zabaleta out of the Etihad.

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