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Pellegrini hails Milner: 'A phenomenon, a guy with big balls' and a big heart

Reuters

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is hoping the club can come to an agreement with midfielder James Milner over a new contract.

The versatile Englishman, 29, is out of contract come the end of the season, and while talks between the two sides are ongoing, the consensus is that Milner will head elsewhere this summer in search of more playing time. He's started just 13 matches this season, despite being one of City's better players during that time. 

Regardless, Pellegrini – who may not be at the Etihad much longer himself if recent reports are to be believed – told the Guardian in a lengthy interview that he wants Milner to remain with the Citizens heading into next season.

The club wants (James) Milner to continue and he wants to stay but maybe he wants more games. I understand. I’m Milner’s No. 1 fan. Find me a more complete English player. There are players who’re better technically, yes. Quicker players, yes. Players who head better, yes. But show me one who does all the things Milner does well. There isn’t one.

It’s hard to leave him out. Respect, commitment and performance level: 10/10, fantastic. He’s polyfunctional: full-back – the only position he doesn't like – attacking midfield, wide. I played him as a forward and the team averaged three goals a game. He gives everything. You leave him on the bench and he’s absolutely furious but watch him during the game: encouraging, shouting, supporting. And in the next training session he kills himself.

Pellegrini continued, adding the pièce de résistance:

Milner’s a phenomenon, a guy with big balls and a heart this big. Intelligent, great mentality, one of those players that when you leave him out you’re left with this feeling of injustice; it hurts because he should always play but sometimes you need a technical player with other characteristics. I hope he stays. If he doesn’t it will be because there’s an important offer.

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