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TEXTUAL HEALING

Man City hero Pablo Zabaleta spent the summer texting friends to convince them he was not leaving Premier League side

The Etihad hero has a year left on his current contact and Pep Guardiola wants to keep him

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MANCHESTER CITY defender Pablo Zabaleta pulled out of the Copa America to undergo an operation but could have injured his fingers typing out his own transfer news.

The Etihad hero had a difficult season last year, struggling with injury and entering the final year of his contract with no negotiations in motion yet.

Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta gets to grips with Arsenal's Alex Iwobi during the pre-season friendly this summer in Ullevi
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Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta gets to grips with Arsenal's Alex Iwobi during the pre-season friendly this summer in UlleviCredit: Getty Images
In the pre-season friendlies this summer Zabaleta has proven to new manager Pep Guardiola that he still has plenty to offer
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In the pre-season friendlies this summer Zabaleta has proven to new manager Pep Guardiola that he still has plenty to offerCredit: Getty Images


After starting just 12 Premier League games last season, the fans’ favourite rejected the chance to fight for Argentina this summer and instead went under the knife for a pesky ankle problem.

But his rest and recuperation was constantly disrupted as the two-time league winner had to keep convincing people he wasn’t shooting off before the start of the Pep Guardiola revolution.

The 31-year-old revealed:  “It’s been quite a busy summer for me.

“I had surgery on my ankle and decided to turn down the Copa America because last season I struggled with injuries and my ankle was not right so I decided to have surgery to remove the physical issues that created problems for me last season.

Zabaleta vies with Stoke City's Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Stoke City at the Etihad
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Zabaleta vies with Stoke City's Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Stoke City at the EtihadCredit: Getty Images
The Argentina right-back is a big favourite among City fans and the players at the club
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The Argentina right-back is a big favourite among City fans and the players at the clubCredit: EPA
Pablo Zabaleta has proven to be one of the best pieces of businesses the club has ever done since they came into their riches
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Pablo Zabaleta has proven to be one of the best pieces of businesses the club has ever done since they came into their richesCredit: Getty Images

“I was doing rehab through the whole of May and June before coming back for pre-season and then so many people were texting me because they were hearing a lot of stuff about me leaving Manchester City.

“I was on holiday so I was texting everyone saying ‘I’m a Manchester City player’.

“People thought I was leaving and I know there’s been a lot of speculation this summer but Manchester City was always my priority.

“I’ve been at this club for so long and Manchester has been a fantastic place for me to be, especially playing for this great football club.”

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There were understandably plenty of teams queuing up to sign the former Espanyol man who has been a City regular since he joined back in 2008.

But he wanted to stay and convince the new boss that there’s plenty left in the classy veteran’s tank and he is pleased the Barcelona hero has kept him on for another campaign in a sky-blue shirt.

Zabaleta celebrates after winning a penalty shoot-out at the end of the World Cup semi-final between the Netherlands and Argentina in Sao Paulo
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Zabaleta celebrates after winning a penalty shoot-out at the end of the World Cup semi-final between the Netherlands and Argentina in Sao PauloCredit: AP:Associated Press
Zabaleta fights for the ball against Manchester United's Robin van Persie during their Premier League match at the Etihad
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Zabaleta fights for the ball against Manchester United's Robin van Persie during their Premier League match at the EtihadCredit: AP:Associated Press
Zabaleta scored the opener against QPR on one of the most amazing days in Premier League history as City clinched the title in injury time
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Zabaleta scored the opener against QPR on one of the most amazing days in Premier League history as City clinched the title in injury timeCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

He said: “I have only one year left on my contract and so some teams were aware of my situation and probably were looking to make an offer - I did receive a few offers from some clubs, but I didn’t decide anything until coming back to pre-season, meeting the new manager and having a conversation.

“All the players were in the same situation, not just me. There was a new manager coming in and everyone has to have that conversation to see what your situation is for the future.

“I’ve never been told anything but ‘stay here for the next season’ and I’m more than pleased with this.”

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