Zaba hoping England ace Milner signs

MANCHESTER City defender Pablo Zabaleta hopes midfielder James Milner remains a team–mate for “many years”.

England international Milner underlined his value for City with a superb stoppage–time free–kick equaliser to snatch a 1–1 draw against Hull. The goal came amid continuing uncertainty over Milner’s future at the Etihad Stadium.

The 29 year old is out of contract in the summer and despite talks a new deal hasn’t been reached.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini has expressed hope Milner, a £26million signing from Aston Villa in 2010, will stay, but Milner reportedly has reservations over whether he will command a regular starting place.

The Argentina right–back said: “We know how important James is for this team, for this club. His commitment and his passion have always been fantastic. He is a great professional. Hopefully he can stay with us for many years.”

Despite Milner’s late heroics, the Hull result was frustrating as it allowed Chelsea to extend their lead at the top of the devision to seven points. Hull went into the game in the bottom three and looked the more confident side, leading after David Meyler’s 35th–minute strike.