Ben Haim: Laughs Off Exit Talk

Speculation the Israeli may be forced to leave the club surfaced after it was highlighted that the club’s owners from Abu Dhabi the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a country that does not recognize Israel.

Yet speaking to The Guardian, the defender insisted that this should not be a problem and that he did not expect it to impact on his career at Eastlands. He said: “It's a professional club and I don't see it making any difference. It shouldn't have any influence on my career whatsoever.”

Ben Haim also suggested that his place at the club would be dictated only be his performances on the pitch and not by any other external factors.

“But we're talking about professional football here. If I'm playing well I should be in the team. If I'm not, I won't,” admitted the Israeli international before adding, “The important thing for me is that I have the opportunity to start playing football regularly again.”

The defender signed for City from Chelsea and revealed that he was delighted to have made the swap after his time in West London saw him largely confined to the bench. He explained: "I'm enjoying myself at City and I want to make up for lost time because, at Chelsea, I was denied that chance. That was very difficult for me but I want to look forward rather than back. So Chelsea is history to me. City is all that matters."

The former Bolton defender also revealed that the arrival of the club’s new owners meant for exciting times at Eastlands and he was delighted to be part of the new era. He admitted: “I just hope the new owners can give this team a real push. The club is trying to build something very special. There are great players here already and the gaffer is not going to buy players just for the sake of buying them. He wants to buy the best players. It's exciting for everyone.”

Gill Clark