Pablo Zabaleta has revealed his desire to return to Manchester City in the future.

The former Blues defender spent nine years at the club - winning five trophies - before leaving on a free transfer in the summer of 2017.

His contract at West Ham is set to expire at the end of the season, and Zabaleta is keen to pursue a coaching career.

The 33-year-old has been working towards his coaching badges in recent years, and says the door is open for him at the Etihad stadium.

“I have done my B Licence, next is the A Licence. In football you never know but I’d like to keep involved, whether as a manager or off the field," he told The Sun.

“I want to prepare myself by having those badges.

“I’m always watching football, talking about it. Whether it’s Spain, Italy, China or the Middle East. My phone is full of football apps.

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“Why not [return to City]? I spent nine years at Man City, it was like a home.

“And my last meeting with [City chairman] Khaldoon [Al Mubarak], he said the door will be open for me to come back to Man City in some role, so we will see. It would be special.”

City boss Pep Guardiola spent his twilight years playing in Qatar, and Zabaleta says it is an avenue he would be willing to explore when he leaves the London Stadium.

“My heart tells me I would like to play forever but I will be 34 in January and I need to listen to my body at that time," he explained.

“At 34 I think it might be the right time to try something different, have a new experience.

“If I carry on playing in Europe, Italy is one of those leagues I haven’t played, but I have always been thinking about the Middle East.

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“I know Pep did this and went to Qatar after playing for Barcelona and then moved into coaching. It would be nice to do that."

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