De Jong desperate to stay at City

Even though Nigel De Jong has just one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, it appears as though the combative midfielder is desperate to remain at the club and is not seeking a move. The Dutch international claims that even though he has not featured regularly in Roberto Mancini’s starting eleven this term, he is still more than happy to stay until his contract expires.

De Jong, who has endured a truly awful Euro 2012 after the Netherlands lost all three of their group games, has been something of a bit-part player this season after making just forty one appearances. However, despite the limited opportunities, De Jong states that he accepts his role within the club and wants the team to continue their success.

Speaking to NUSport, the midfielder said, “I want to stay. I’ve been at the club for three years and I’m feeling really well. I have won the FA Cup and the league title, which are the biggest trophies in England. It’s part of the job that I occasionally warm the bench. We have a squad rotation system. I prefer to play all games, but it’s all about the team. We eventually won the title, so it was worth it.”

Of course, there is no guarantee that City share his view, with the club unlikely to want to lose De Jong on a free transfer once his contract expires next summer. That means that Roberto Mancini must make a decision on his future sooner rather than later.

Still, even though the impending financial fair play rules are due to put pressure on City’s wage structure, Mancini is unlikely to want to lose De Jong who has proved to be an extremely useful player to include in fixtures when the Blues have their backs against the wall.