Man City are interested in welcoming Pablo Zabaleta back to the club in non-playing role following former captain’s retirement after West Ham release
- Pablo Zabaleta has retired from football after an impressive 18-year career
- The 35-year-old Argentine’s release by West Ham prompted the decision
- The defender spent nine seasons at Manchester City and could go back now
- If Zabaleta chooses to pursue an off-field football career, City are interested
Manchester City are open to Pablo Zabaleta returning to the club following his retirement last week.
Zabaleta, who spent nine seasons at the Etihad Stadium, called time on an 18-year career after his release from West Ham United.
Sportsmail understands City would welcome the Argentine back should he decide to pursue a career in the game beyond playing.
Pablo Zabaleta has retired from professional football after being released by West Ham
The 35-year-old had an 18-year career but his next move in or outside of the game is unclear
If the ex-defender chooses a non-playing role, his old club Manchester City are interested
The likes of Patrick Vieira and Joleon Lescott have previously been offered the opportunity to sample different areas of the business within the City Football Group before embarking on their next chapter.
Vieira undertook a period of study on the administrative side at the club’s training base before then taking a role as manager of the Elite Development side.
The former France international made the switch to sister club, New York City, where he spent two years as manager before joining Nice in 2018.
The right-back enjoyed nine successful seasons in Manchester and is a respected professional
Zabaleta could follow Patrick Vieira as an ex-star who returned to work within the City Group
Lescott, meanwhile, currently operates in City’s loans department, a key role within City’s structure given the array of young talent out on temporary deals across the continent.
Lescott works with Fergal Harkin, football partnerships and pathways manager, and provides regular support for those players out on loan.
