Joleon Lescott says he is eager to remain at Manchester City, but admits that he may have to leave the club if he cannot retain his first-team place at the Etihad Stadium.
The 31-year-old has made just eight starts this season under new boss Manuel Pellegrini and, with his current deal set to expire this summer, he is having to consider his options. Lescott may resort to leaving in January, with the 2014 World Cup in Brazil on the horizon.
Lescott joined City from Everton in 2009 for £22million and he was a key part of Roberto Mancini’s side that lifted the Premier League title in 2012. He fell out of favour with the Italian boss and it seems that Pellegrini would prefer to go with other options.
With Vincent Kompany on his way back from injury, Lescott admits he may have to leave to keep playing first-team football.
He said: “I want to stay, that is the main thing. But the club have not approached me yet, so I don’t know what the situation is with them. If I am playing for my future here, then great. If I am playing for it elsewhere, then so be it.
“I just know that every time I am out there, I have to perform at a level where top clubs would be interested in signing me. I have not been in the last few squads, so it is going to be hard.
“But if I am playing for City and we are progressing in the Champions League and the title race, then there might be a place for me.
“There are three of us for fighting for that but I am ready for the challenge.”
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