• Premier League

Mancini told Bridge to leave City two years ago

ESPN staff
December 30, 2011
Wayne Bridge looks to be on his way out of Manchester City © PA Photos
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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has hit back at defender Wayne Bridge and revealed he told Bridge two years ago he had no future at the club.

Bridge has featured just once for City this season, in a Carling Cup tie against Birmingham, and has been forced to train with the youth team by Mancini, who wants to offload Bridge in January.

Mancini recently mocked Bridge, insinuating that the left-back was content to stay at City for a reported £90,000 a week, but Bridge hit back, claiming City had blocked any prospective transfers.

But Mancini insists he told Bridge two years ago he was surplus to requirements at Eastlands, and says he hopes Bridge and Nedum Onuoha will leave the club during the January transfer window.

"Bridge said I don't speak to him. That is not true," Mancini said. "I spoke with Bridge last season and the season before, two years ago.

"I said 'Wayne you are not part of our plans, it is better that you find a good solution for you, because if you stay here it is difficult for you to play'. So Bridge has known about this situation for two years."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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