• Premier League

Milner undecided on City future

James Milner is waiting to see how many games he plays at Manchester City this season © PA Photos

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James Milner is delaying his decision on whether to sign a new Manchester City contract until seeing how many games he plays this season.

The midfielder has begun contract talks with the Premier League champions, who risk losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Milner featured in 44 matches for City last season but began just 12 in the Premier League and said he will only stay if he is given enough game time..

"I have a year left and have spoken to the club," Milner told the Manchester Evening News.

"I love it here and would love to stay at Manchester City but first and foremost I am a footballer and want to play football. Hopefully I can play enough games and will be here for the long term.

"You want to win trophies, and I have been fortunate enough to do that, but I want to do that and ideally play in enough games.

"It's an amazing club to be at - I have won trophies, it has great fans and I am playing with some of the best players in the world. If you get that game time as well, it is perfect."

Milner put in an impressive display in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Chelsea, having also started in the 2-2 draw at Arsenal, and hopes he did enough to warrant more opportunities.

"Sunday was my second start of the season and I would like a few more," Milner added. "I understand I won't play in every game, I just want a fair crack of the whip, a few more games than I got last year.

"You have to perform as well, and that is never easy when you are in and out of the team. I want to play as well as I can, and the more you play the more you can show what you can do.

"When you are getting the game time, it's amazing, but when you are not playing it is frustrating because you want to contribute. But that is all part of being at a big club - all I can do is work as hard as I can, when I get a chance I have to play as well as I can and make the manager keep picking me as much as possible.

"We have had talks, but I want to see how it goes. Hopefully I will play enough games and can be at City for the long term."

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