James Milner: Manchester City midfielder wants more playing time

Manchester City midfielder James Milner has hinted that he could leave next summer if he does not get enough playing time this season.

The England international has been at City since 2010, but he has been largely used a back-up player in recent seasons and is not guaranteed playing time.

The 28-year-old has said that he loves playing for the Citizens but wants manager Manuel Pellegrini to give him his fair chance.

Milner has also hinted that he may not renew his current contract which runs out at the end of the season if he feels that he is not playing enough.

I love it here and would love to stay at Manchester City, but first and foremost I am a footballer and want to play football. James Milner

"I understand I won't play in every game, I just want a fair crack of the whip, a few more games than I got last year,” he told the Daily Star.

"You have to perform as well, and that is never easy when you are in and out of the team. I want to play as well as I can, and the more you play the more you can show what you can do.

"I have a year left and have spoken to the club. I love it here and would love to stay at Manchester City but first and foremost I am a footballer and want to play football.

"You want to win trophies and I have been fortunate enough to do that. I want to do that and ideally play in enough games.

"It's an amazing club to be at - I have won trophies, it has great fans and I am playing with some of the best players in the world. If you get that game time as well, it is perfect.

"We have had talks, but I want to see how it goes. Hopefully I will play enough games and can be at City for the long term."