If Joe is this "strong leader" why did he not get voted as captain or vice captain over Silva who has never been above him in that regard? He's vocal, but I'm not sure the players respect him as much as he appears to act or has been given status for by Pellegrini when given the armband a few times, and I am a very big fan of Joe, and have defended him many times. I am not saying players don't respect him, but perhaps it isn't about being a "strong leader" as much as he seems that way, but maybe to some players now it's not having the same effect.
I wish him much success, am gutted this is ocurring, and eternally grateful for his contributions, as he has been really a great City player who I wish we could keep, but I cannot see this working out. The writing has been on the wall since Pep became our manager. It is a bitter pill to swallow for him, as fans, and Pep knows this as well, but it clearly has to be done. I think that's why he was dropped now. If he was not and then in the background made a move for Bravo or whoever, it would be even worse. At least Pep is being up front about it as respectfully as he can. I do not envy him and it sure tells us who is the boss now.
Joe will be a great asset to whatever club he plays for and I will always be a fan of his.