Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has opened up about hisfuture at the club, suggesting that he will still have to fight for a new contract despitebeing regarded as a club icon by the fans.
TheCitizens veteran has beenplaying through the pain barrier in order to show new bossPep Guardiola that heis still a vital member of the side following ankle surgery in the summer, and his love forthe team was evident in his celebration after scoring the opening goalin the side's victory over Watford at the Etihad last Saturday.
And according to theManchesterEvening News, the Argentinianknows that there will be crunch talks come the end of the season with his contract expiring in six months,however despite thisfear, he knows he just has to work hard to show Guardiola what he can bring.
"I just want to see how this season goes with the new manager," the 31-year-old said.
"I had that operation soI'm happy and feeling good. I'm enjoying it but I know at the end of the season we need to decide on my future, but maybe rightnow after half a season it is better for me to keep working hard and try to give the best for the team.
.@pablo_zabaleta on a tough @premierleague season and his #cityvwatford celebration...
Media City ï“° https://t.co/SzMffFG0xa #mcfc pic.twitter.com/2gdFRI7TvQ
"It's been quite hard for me at the beginning of the season because I had the operation on my ankle. I was playing in so much pain last season, but I'm getting back to my best fitness level and feeling good."
Zabaleta is in line to start for the Manchester club when they welcome fellow title challengers Arsenal to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with a win pushing them into the top two in the league.