'Happy' De Jong dismisses Manchester City exit rumours

Jul 30, 2012 2:45:00 PM

Reports have suggested that the Dutch midfielder could be surplus to requirements at the club, with Roberto Mancini having extensive options in the middle of the park

Nigel de Jong has denied speculation that he could be set to leave Manchester City, stating he is happy playing for the Premier League champions.

The midfielder has just one year left on his current contract at the club and, with manager Roberto Mancini often choosing to utilise him as a substitute, rumours have suggested that the Dutchman could be heading for the Etihad Stadium exit.

A move to Champions League finalists Bayern Munich has been touted, with the 27-year-old having spent three years in the Bundesliga with Hamburg before coming to England, but, despite little progress on a renewal of his contract, De Jong insists that all is well.


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"I don't want to talk about that at the moment, it's not in my mind - however, I'm playing football and I'm happy here," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"I'm happy when I'm on the pitch and when I'm playing; football's the most beautiful game in the world and you have to enjoy every moment."

At present, De Jong remains focused on retaining the Premier League title and believes that the Champions League should be City's next goal.

"Of course, that's what we all want because that's the way to go forward," he added.

"We set ourselves the goal of taking it step by step. We won the FA Cup last year, then the Premier League last season, so the next thing is the Champions League.

"However, that doesn't change the fact that we're in for all the titles this year - Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup.

"We want to win them all but we have to maintain our focus."