KEY POINTS

  • Zabelata will leave the Etihad Stadium after nine years of service.
  • The long-time City servant is expected to join West Ham United on a two-year deal.

Manchester City veteran Pablo Zabaleta is set to leave the club after his contract expires in the summer.

The Argentine defender joined City from La Liga side Espanyol in 2008 for a £6.5m fee as he went on to make 332 appearances, winning two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and League Cup along the way.

The 32-year-old played key roles in City's title winning seasons of 2011/2012 and 2013/2014 but has suffered various injuries since then keeping him on the sidelines.

Having only made 19 league appearances for the Citizens this season, Zabaleta has informed the club that he will be moving on in the summer with the game against West Brom at the Eithad Stadium on 16 May being his last potential home appearance.

'Pablo is out of contract in the summer and has informed the club he will move to pastures new," a statement on Manchester City's website read. "He leaves behind many happy memories."

"With 332 appearances made since his bargain £6.5m move from Espanyol, Zaba joined City the day before it was announced Sheikh Mansour was the club's new owner. Only Joe Hart and Vincent Kompany have been with the Blues longer."

The Argentina international is now expected to join fellow Premier League team West Ham United on a two-year deal, according to The Mirror.

His departure will mark the continuation of manager Pep Guardiola's clearout with the likes of Joe Hart, Yaya Toure and Jesus Navas also expected to leave the club permanently, as the Spaniard looks to bounce back from the first trophyless season of his managerial career.

Pablo Zabaleta
Zabaleta has been with Manchester City for nine years Getty