Zabaleta linked with summer move?

People who make decisions need to be reminded that Tony Book was 32 when he joined the club! Zab seems a guy who looks after himself, so there is no reason to think he will be fit enough to play at the highest level for 2 more years at least. Top man. I'm all for letting players leave at the right time rather than keep them round for sentimental reasons, but this guy should stay for a while longer.
 
It's inevitable that all our stars will eventually leave. We know it will be for the progress and betterment of the team and the club. Therefore we have to welcome it. What we can do and should do is recognise the contribution they have made at a critical and exciting time in our history and remember them with fondness and affection when they go.
 
There's no reason Zab couldn't play to 38 or 39 like Zanetti if he takes proper care of his body and perhaps relocated to a central midfield position for extra cover
 
UnknownGenius said:
There's no reason Zab couldn't play to 38 or 39 like Zanetti if he takes proper care of his body and perhaps relocated to a central midfield position for extra cover
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There are plenty reason why Zab won't play until he's that age, at the highest level at least. His biggest asset is his work rate and his seemingly endless lung bursting full length of the pitch runs down the wing, followed by him sprinting back into position if the attack breaks down. With the best will in the world he won't be doing that for much longer and certainly not past his mid 30s. On form he's one of the best right backs in the world, but he is only average as a makeshift midfielder.
 
Zab has a couple more years at the top level for me, he should be given an extension to cover that period, should he want to play on at a lower level (or in Argentina) then should be allowed to go with our blessing, he'll have given us nearly 10 years then, a testimonial and a great send off would be nice. Should he want to retire and stay around the place, then we should also look into that as well as he really does have blue blood in his veins. With Joe i'd say he is the player who identifies with the fans the most. Fucking love him.
 
stony said:
There are plenty reason why Zab won't play until he's that age, at the highest level at least. His biggest asset is his work rate and his seemingly endless lung bursting full length of the pitch runs down the wing, followed by him sprinting back into position if the attack breaks down. With the best will in the world he won't be doing that for much longer and certainly not past his mid 30s. On form he's one of the best right backs in the world, but he is only average as a makeshift midfielder.
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Call me the naive optimist but I want a Mr. City. We need a Lampard, Gerrard or Giggs. For me Zaba's that guy, even ahead of Kompany (who may never play a full season again at this rate).
 
He's a year younger than Sagna yet people are writing him off saying he's too old. He has years left in him.
 
UnknownGenius said:
Call me the naive optimist but I want a Mr. City. We need a Lampard, Gerrard or Giggs. For me Zaba's that guy, even ahead of Kompany (who may never play a full season again at this rate).
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Don't get me wrong, I love the bloke and would love him to stay until he retires from playing and then carry on in some other capacity at the club. I just have doubts that someone who puts his body on the line so much and who's game is so reliant on fitness can carry on for much longer. He certainly won't be playing until his late 30s.
That said, it wouldn't be the first time he has proved me wrong.
 
Its possible either Zabaleta or Sagna will need to be moved on at the end of year. We cant allow them to grow old together, retire together, and be in a position where we have no right back and have to buy a first choice right back, and understudy.

Sagna wont leave the contract he is on. And ideally Zabaleta stays at becomes a staff member in later years. But in that case, how do we attract a quality right back when they have two seasoned quality players in front of them? No top right back will come here if he thinks he is going to be a 3rd choice right back.

Lets not do a Ferguson, and fail to plan for when senior players lose their edge.
 
stony said:
Don't get me wrong, I love the bloke and would love him to stay until he retires from playing and then carry on in some other capacity at the club. I just have doubts that someone who puts his body on the line so much and who's game is so reliant on fitness can carry on for much longer. He certainly won't be playing until his late 30s.
That said, it wouldn't be the first time he has proved me wrong.
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Agree, I think he could well leave in the summer, he's often spoke about wanting to go to Fiorentina. Though I'd love him to be at the club in the future in some coaching capacity.
 
Give him a new contract. He's still got it and I consider him a club legend who should retire here
 
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