Wayne Bridge
Bridge is set to exit City. REUTERS

Wayne Bridge has hit back at Roberto Mancini's claims that he doesn't want to play for Manchester City, as Arsenal continue to be connected with a possible loan move for the left-back in January.

Mancini commented that Bridge was more concerned with money than playing football, going so far as to suggest that the former England international played golf instead of watching Manchester City games on the weekend.

And as Arsene Wenger insisted he hasn't yet had contact with City over a loan move to Arsenal for the star, Bridge revealed in his first full interview that he believes Mancini is a lot more unaware of what's going on with the club's players than he makes out in public.

"Roberto Mancini obviously doesn't know me very well because I don't play golf," Bridge told the Daily Mail.

"When I was at Chelsea I was playing for a team where Ashley Cole was the best in the world and I still got games. It won't happen at City.

"There has never been an explanation, but it's obvious they don't want me."

Bridge also claimed that Mancini doesn't even speak to him, leaving him feeling isolated from the team.

"Mancini doesn't really speak to me, he doesn't really speak to any of the players," he explained.

"The only time I've known a player isolated like this was Winston Bogarde at Chelsea. Usually you still train with the first team, even when they want you out.

"I've never caused trouble, I'm not that kind of character. There will be days when I'm frustrated - not depressed, but down. Training helps take my mind off the fact that I don't play.

"I don't like confrontation, to be honest. It takes a while for me to lose it, but when I do...

"Some players are totally different to me - they would phone the manager and say things there and then. I just get on with things and hope they resolve themselves. Even when I'm playing I just like to get on with my own life. If I kicked up a fuss I might have got out easier."

Wenger left the door open to a move for Bridge, insisting in his last press conference that he wasn't chasing Gary Cahill, but being far more coy on a possible deal for the 31 year old.

While Arsenal are yet to make an official enquiry, with Kieran Gibbs looking set to be out for a considerable time after suffering a setback in his recovery from injury, Wenger may still make a move for Bridge when the transfer window opens in a matter of days.