Zabaleta confirms he will stay at City

Up to Pep IMO. Pep isn't against using man past their thirties, but it's down Pep's jury of Zab's ability. One way I can see it is Zabs getting converted to a DM, like Philip Lahm.
 
Kris_Musampa said:
There is no room for misty-eyed sentimentality if you want to dine at the top table. The continued strength of the first team has to come first. We cannot carry players who are living off past glories, whoever they are and whatever their legendary status.

Absolutely he belongs in the City hall of fame, alongside Yaya, who is another whose form has dropped off significantly. It remains to be seen for the other "class of 2012" legends, David and Vinny, but for the last couple of seasons the ominous signs have been showing, particularly with persistent niggling injuries and recovery times. I'm hoping David has another couple of years in him, and he can clear this ankle issue, but I am concerned for big Vin.

There are the odd few players who are able to play at a very high level into their mid to late thirties, like that freak Griggs, but for most nature is cruel, speed and reaction times drop off rapidly after thirty or so, sadly it appears Zabba is one of them.
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I think you are in danger of grouping several players together into categories. Each player needs to assessed individually on their merits. He is 2 years younger than Yaya. The qualities Zab has are relatively rare in our squad. He has the intelligence, work rate and energy that Pep should admire and embrace. Zab has not had a history of "persistent niggling injuries". This season he had a serious knee injury which has caused problems. The previous 2 seasons he only missed only one game with a hamstring injury. I believe his personality and influence on the squad is huge, I hope he stays.
 
There is no denying the fact he is a mancity legend and will always be cherished but truth be told with him being at wrong side of 30 premier league is a bit high paced for his liking now, it almost hurts to see when average players are getting passed him, he could do well in italian league though
 
I think if it were just his injuries that were hampering Zab. he'd be staying. I think the fact it seems we could be ready to offload suggests his legs have gone and he isn't at the required level for us anymore.
A true legend of City, but we have to accept his time is probably up with us.
 
Plain Speaking said:
Zab is a club legend, he looks in his mid thirties but he is only 31. He has not had his best season but he has recovered from a serious injury. There are rumours he will be sold this summer. He is an intelligent player with total commitment and industry. Pep has successfully converted full backs to midfielders in the past. Couldn't he do a job as a defensive midfielder if he doesn't want him as a main fullback? I feel Zab is more than a ordinary player at our club, he must be a great influence on the younger players, he is the spirit of the club. He has the personality to inspire the team and fans. He will make a great coach/manager/club ambassador when he retires. Personally I feel it would be an incredibly sad day if he is sold against his wishes.
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Earlier in the season I thought he just needs to get fit after two knee ligament injuries but now I think he's slowed up a bit

I love what he has done for City, but I think we have to strengthen at right back. I doubt he'd want to be a squad player at his age so I think he will move on
 
Don't sell Pablo

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Absolute legend and I'll miss him dearly, as we all will. He will not be retained by Pep purely because he likes his full backs to have pace and be an attacking threat and Zabba's legs are going.
 
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