Manchester City confirm Joleon Lescott exit

Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has confirmed that defender Joleon Lescott will leave the club this summer.

Lescott, whose contract expires in July, recently revealed that he intended to leave Eastlands upon the expiration of his deal, and Soriano has today confirmed the departure.

"Joleon Lescott is finishing his contract and is leaving," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"Joleon has been a key player for us. Not only for what he did on the pitch but also his leadership and character in the team. We wish him well.

"Some players leave and some new players will come. We're not changing the base of the team."

The 31-year-old has made over 100 appearances for the Sky Blues since sealing a big-money switch to the Etihad Stadium from Everton five years ago.