Two things; If he did make a comment that literally translates as 'I want to leave', then I believe that would amount to weakening his own position, or rather, Kia's. If he just remained an vaguely unhappy 'problem' then the interest in moving him on would be shared more equally between player and club. If he expresses the desire to end his contract then on the face of it, City would be in the stronger position to set the terms.
So I end up thinking; I am yet to be fully convinced that he made the comments... and a denial wouldn't convince me that he hadn't!
Which brings us back to November...I wonder why Kia lodged the transfer request when it couldn't happen?
There are so many confusing signals here, I have to say that all sides are playing a great game.
I've reversed my view on one thing; I actually believe Mancini wants to keep him.
Why wouldn't he? He says the right things about Mancini now. He does overshadow the team somewhat but the pressure for results next year will be through the roof.
I can believe Mancini would look at it pragmatically and say;
I need success right now, and all the other stuff I can put up with.
The Kia stuff is a problem for the Marwoods and Cooks of this world, and as long as I deliver next year, my future isn't in their hands.
They can't guarantee me that any replacement would perform adequately in his first year, yet if that was the case, I would probably be the one who ends up on the scrap heap.