Pablo playing with his heart set on success

PABLO ZABALETA may have been born on the other side of the world. But to Manchester City fans, he feels like one of their own.

Zabaleta was the last man through the door before the Abu Dhabi revolution in 2008 and he has been a huge favourite with the supporters.

But with the Argentine’s contract running out this summer, there is a chance that the mutual love affair could be about to end.

However, the right-back hopes he has done enough this season to convince Pep Guardiola that he should be part of the club’s future plans.

If not, he will accept his fate and ride off into the sunset, having played an integral part in City’s success over the last nine years.

“I am giving everything for the team as I have done for the last eight years,” he states.

“I said to Pep, when we sat down face-to-face, that last season I had strugged with injuries and couldn’t reach my top performance.

“So I had surgery on my ankle to try to feel better this season. And I feel good. Of course, I have not been playing all the games, but I am ready to play when the manager decides.

“I know my contract expires at the end of the season. I am 32, I am not getting any younger, so I need to make sure of my decision.

“A few clubs were interested in signing me last summer, but it was a new manager and I needed to sit down with him and talk about myself.

“He told me he wanted me to stay and that was fantastic. I have been here for so long and really enjoyed it.

“After surgery, I didn’t know how I would respond. But apart from a kick in Barcelona that needed stiches in my foot, I have felt fantastic.

“I have to make sure the decision is the correct one. I want to be honest with myself and with the club.

“If I decide to stay, I will stay. If I decide that it is time to move on, I will move on.

“But, for now, I am just playing with my heart to try to win something for City this season.”

Today’s game at Sunderland is the start of a crucial run in five games in 15 days across three competitions, which will shape the season.

Guardiola will need to call upon his whole squad to maintain their progress and young striker Kelechi Iheanacho is ready to answer that call.

“When you are not playing, you need to train harder,” says the Nigerian. “You need to keep faith, work hard and when you get the chance, take it.

“You have to do exactly what your team-mates are doing to help the team and squad achieve something.

“We love the way we play and we’re happy with what the manager does. It is getting results, so we’ll keep going like that.”