Manuel Pellegrini says the future of James Milner is still to be decided and that he’s been offered a new contract, despite many expecting him to move to Liverpool or Arsenal this summer, although he did once again say that the winger’s future depends on what he decides, not what the club decides for him.
He also appeared to play down speculation that Yaya Toure would be leaving this summer, with all the quotes coming after Sunday’s 2-0 win over Southampton. James Milner, Yaya Toure and Frank Lampard were all substituted off to standing ovations in the win over The Saints, and the fact they came off could suggest Pellegrini was giving them their chance to have one last round of applause as a City player.
However, Pellegrini had different views on the matter, saying “I think the only player who said goodbye was Frank Lampard.”
“Yaya returned in the last game after an injury of 15 days – he finished very tired and he couldn’t finish the last game either. I didn’t want him to have some muscle injuries and that is why I changed him.”
“Milner had an important kick in his knee, that is why he couldn’t finish the game.”
Frank Lampard has of course already agreed a move to Major League Soccer with New York City, and received cheers and applause in what was his final game in England. James Milner has been linked with moves to some of England’s top sides with his contract coming to an end, while Yaya Toure has been heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan in the summer, with the Italian club reportedly confident of completing the deal.
Speaking of Milner’s contract situation, Pellegrini said “James said he was taking the decision at the end of the season. He is a very important player and he gave us a lot of spirit in this year but he must decide what is better for him.”
