England international’s contract runs out in the summerZabaleta: ‘Hopefully he can stay with us for many years’

Manchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta hopes James Milner remains a team-mate for “many years”. Milner underlined his value for City with a stoppage-time free-kick to snatch a 1-1 draw against battling Hull on Saturday.

The goal came amid continuing uncertainty over the England international’s future. The 29-year-old is out of contract in the summer and despite talks a new deal remains unsigned.

Zabaleta said: “We know how important James is for this team. His commitment and his passion have always been fantastic. He is a player who can play in different positions. He is a great professional, a fantastic lad. Hopefully he can sign a new deal and stay with us for many years.”

Manuel Pellegrini has expressed hope that Milner, a £26m signing from Aston Villa in 2010, will stay having shone centrally, out wide and even up front this season.

Milner has reportedly had reservations because of uncertainty whether he will command a regular starting spot but Zabaleta is keen for him to sign.

Despite Milner’s late heroics, the result against Hull was still a frustrating one as it allowed Chelsea to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points.

Hull had gone into the game in the bottom three – and after losing their previous three matches – but they looked the more confident side and led after David Meyler’s 35th-minute strike.

Zabaleta said: “It’s disappointing because that was a game we were always supposed to win, especially because we knew it was another chance to get three points and try to reduce the gap to leaders Chelsea. It’s a hard moment, because we expect our team to play better, not just for 45 minutes like we did in the second half.

“We were a little bit flat at the beginning of the game, and when you concede a goal you have to play against teams that choose to defend with all of their players behind the ball – it’s hard to find space. But there is still a long way to go, a point is a point, and it was a great free-kick by James that saved a point.”