Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has revealed that he has no intention of leaving the club despite uncertainties over his future.
The 31-year-old is into the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and faces a battle to nail down a starting spot under new boss Pep Guardiola.
Zabaleta insists that talk of a move to the Italian top flight was never on the cards, though, particularly after being given assurances by Guardiola that he still has a part to play in his ninth season at the club.
"There was a lot of speculation - that came from the media," he told the Manchester Evening News. "I don't know how many times I was away to Italy. It was incredible. Every day there was a new club.
"I've always been away from that because I knew from the first day it was my decision [to stay]. I had been told my the new manager that I was part of this squad for this season, so I am more than pleased for this because City was my priority.
"I know I only have one year left on my contract, so that creates a lot of speculation about my future but I didn't decide anything before I came back for pre-season to meet the manager and hear from him what was my situation. I am so happy to be part of Manchester City for this season."
Zabaleta, who joined the Citizens from Espanyol in 2008 after rejecting an approach from Juventus, made 13 appearances for City in the Premier League last season.
Daniel Lewis
