Milner hints at leaving if City don't play him enough

James Milner has reiterated he will only commit his future to Manchester City if he is getting enough game time.

Champions City are keen to agree a new contract with Milner after tying down most of their big names over the summer and have begun talks with the England midfielder.

Milner is in no rush to sign, as we reported back in pre-season, even though he has entered the final 12 months of the five-year deal he agreed when he joined from Aston Villa in 2010.

He wants to retain the option of leaving on a Bosman next summer if he is not starting more big games for the champions.

“I have a year left and have spoken to the club,” he said. “I love it here and would love to stay at Manchester City, but first and foremost I am a footballer and want to play football. Hopefully I can play enough games and will be here for the long term.

“You want to win trophies and I’ve been fortunate enough to do that. I want to do that and ideally play in enough games.

“It’s an amazing club to be at - I’ve won trophies, the club has great fans and I’m playing with some of the best players in the world. If you get that game time as well, it’s perfect.

“When you’re getting the game time, it’s amazing, but when you are not playing, it is frustrating because you want to contribute. We’ve had talks, but I want to see how it goes. Hopefully I will play enough games and can be at City for the long term.”

Milner seized his chance against Chelsea on Sunday, setting up City's late equaliser in the 1-1 draw and being voted the champions' man of the match.

He could feature again on Wednesday night as City begin their defence of the Capital One Cup at home to Championship high flyers Sheffield Wednesday.

Blues boss Manuel Pellegrini has told his players not to underestimate their opponents after losing to second-tier Wigan in the FA Cup last season.

“For any Premier League team, all other teams live in the moment,” said the City manager. “If you do not play with 100 per cent intensity, you’re not going to win.”

Source: Mirror UK