Manchester City Transfer News: Nigel De Jong Confirms Desire to Remain at Etihad

Manchester City midfielder Nigel De Jong has confirmed his desire to remain at the Etihad Stadium next season despite speculation surrounding a possible move over the summer transfer window.

De Jong's failure to renew his contract with the Citizens since transferring to the club for £18 million back in 2009 left many wandering whether the Dutch international would remain at the club, especially given he only started 11 league games last season.

Nevertheless, the midfielder has stated his desire to remain at Manchester City and said that his current situation isn't reason for him to leave the club, according to the  Daily Mirror. 

"

My contract runs for another year, so I'm in a pretty good position. I would like to stay— I've been at the club for more than three years and I'm enjoying myself.

I have won the two biggest trophies in England—the FA Cup and the league title— and I've seen the club develop from total chaos with the training facilities into a top club. That's very satisfying to see.

It is part of the job that I sometimes sit on the bench. We have a rotation system. Ideally I would play in every game, but the team comes first and we won the title, so it was all worth it...

"

In the modern footballing era, De Jong's comments are somewhat rare. Players often refuse to remain at a club if they are not in the starting side, regardless of how successful and talented the squad may be.

His desire to put the club first and his acknowledgement that he will not be a starting player in every match must be applauded and praised.

De Jong struggled with an ankle injury last season and then struggled to break back into the starting lineup once he was healthy again. He will be hoping that Roberto Mancini elects to put him back on the pitch where he can once again prove his worth to the team.

The Dutch international might not be the biggest name on the team, but his desire to remain at the Etihad must be a huge boost for the Premier League champions as they seek to repeat their league success next season.

Every club needs depth and talent on their bench—players who are ready when injuries occur or when other players lack form—and De Jong can provide that to the Citizens. He is a physical midfielder, as we can all attest to, and can give Manchester City a spark in midfield that could carry them to another league title.

Nigel De Jong isn't going to win the Golden Boot or the club's Most Valuable Player award next season, but he will begin to provide Mancini with the depth and cover required to win the English Premier League once again.

Nigel de Jong remaining at Manchester City—good, bad, ugly?

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