Etihad great Zab will have the Blues as he helps

WITH reluctance and a heavy heart, Pablo Zabaleta will dump the love of his life today.

But he will be knocking on Manchester City’s door begging to make up again within minutes after his appearance for West Ham against his former club.

Calling City a club just does not justify the Argentina star’s feelings for everything sky blue after spending nine years winning all of England’s major honours and being made an honorary Mancunian.

He unashamedly admits fist-pumping when he sees them score from the comfort of his sofa.

Zabaleta, 33, still wears a blue shirt – but it is also covered in the claret of West Ham and today they go up against the champions desperate to see off the threat of relegation. With just three games to go, a timely victory would leave them free of the battle at the bottom as it reaches its dog-eat-dog stage.

Zabaleta returned to The Etihad in early December but life for the Hammers has changed since then.

He said: “This weekend we are fighting against relegation and even if they are already champions, they will want to go for the records and we have seen the last game against Swansea at home, they won 5-0.

“It’s going to be a hard game because you’re playing against the champions. We need to look at ourselves as well.

“I am a West Ham player now and want West Ham to win this game because we need three points.” City manager Pep Guardiola described Zabaleta as a “legend” when he left last summer. His parting gift was a shirt with the numbers 333 on the back to recall his appearances – plus a lifetime season ticket.

The affection goes both ways. Zabaleta (right) added: “I arrived there at 23 and not speaking English. They took me into their heart and family.

“I think Manchester City have been absolutely fantastic this season. They’ve been the best team in the league for sure. For all those people who love football, watching them has been a joy.

“I am pleased for the guys. I know most of them. It’s the first Premier League title for Pep and his staff. I am pleased for the owner who has invested so much