Pablo Zabaleta to leave Manchester City

Pablo Zabaleta will leave Manchester City at the end of the season after spending nine years at the club.

City have announced that Zabaleta is moving elsewhere when his contract expires at the end of the campaign and will make his final home appearance against West Brom next Tuesday.

The 32-year-old joined the Premier League side from Espanyol for £6.5million in 2008 and has won five major trophies, including two Premier League titles.

“Pablo Zabaleta is out of contract in the summer and has informed the club he will move to pastures new, but leave behind many happy memories,” read City’s statement on the Argentina international.

“Fans will have the opportunity to show their appreciation for one of the club’s most loyal and loved servants of recent times against West Brom on Tuesday evening, which will be Pablo’s last home appearance.

“One of the most popular players of recent times, Pablo has been a firm crowd favourite with the City supporters who have resonated with his passion, heart and willingness to put his body on the line time and time again.”

Zabaleta has racked up a total of 332 City appearances, although he has been restricted to 11 Premier League starts this season under Pep Guardiola.

City added that there is no final decision on any of the other first-team players whose contracts are due to expire at the end of the season, with Yaya Toure one of the stars still facing an uncertain future.

“Though there are a number of first-team player contracts currently under consideration, Pablo’s situation is the only one that has been fully finalised,” the club said.