Zabba opens up on the future

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-city-news-zabaleta-contract-11206491

The Manchester City defender is nearing the end of his eighth season at the club, and it could be his last.

Pablo Zabaleta will discuss his Manchester City future at the end of the season as he weighs up his options.
City's right-back has been a firm favourite with the fans since moving to the club from Espanyol in 2008, but has endured a difficult season.
Injuries meant he missed most of the first half of the season, and has struggled to displace Bacary Sagna from the XI when fit. At no point in the campaign has the 31-year-old started more than three games consecutively.
While Zabaleta is delighted for Sagna, he is thinking about his future.
"He [Sagna] has been outstanding this season," he told Sky Sports .
"I'm so glad for him because he's a great lad, a great player and also he's given me a chance to have some rest thinking about the future.
"I have just one more year here [on my contract] and we'll see what happens at the end of the season. We expect big changes at the club with a new manager coming in."



Full-back could be one position Pep Guardiola looks to refresh at the Etihad, with him set to inherit four players in their 30s.
Before the Bayern coach can get to work with City, Zabaleta will again be busy with his country.
His likely involvement in the Copa America this summer has played on his mind, and the Argentine is planning talks in Manchester next month to discuss his options.




"Probably at the end of the season, we have to sit down with the club and decide what will happen."
"My only concern is just thinking about another big tournament in the summer and coming back probably without rest and without pre-season.
"The best thing for me is just be focused on trying to finish this season in the best way. All the players will have to hear from the new manager and what his new ideas are for next season."

We can't go forwards with 4 full backs well into their 30s. Unless we get a versatile defender that can cover FB or CB, then we have to let at least one of each go.

And, before Pep has finished his 3 years, the other FBs will be gone too.

As much as I love Zabba and he will always be remembered as a city great we have to move with the times. I wouldn't be unhappy if he saw out his last year of his contract & then we let him go on a freebie, All good things come to an end & with us supposedly looking at Laporte who is a right back & centre back I can see him claiming the #1 spot.