AL MUBARAK ON:

PABLO ZABALETA has been tipped to become a top manager.

The defender, 32, who made 333 appearances for Manchester City, scoring 12 times, has been told he can return to the Etihad when he finishes playing after quitting the club to join West Ham on a free transfer.

“One of the things I said to Pablo the last time we spoke is that he is part of our City family and always will be.

“He’s been a loyal contributor, player, family member of our City football group and he will always have a place with us.

“I hope he pursues a career in management. He would be a great manager one day.

“I encouraged him to look at the experience we had with Patrick Vieira, who is another person we had a great belief in from day one.

“I’m glad we supported him through that journey from football player to manager.

“And I hope that Pablo, once he hangs up his boots, comes back to us in some capacity.”