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Hargreaves: I’m not ready to play for Man City

Comment: 0 September 2nd, 2011 by: admin

A few days after his transfer, Owen Hargreaves admitted that his physical condition will not allow him to promptly return to action with Manchester City.

The 30-year old midfielder, who signed a one-year deal with City from Manchester United, has been plagued with chronic tendinitis that had limited his action to four appearances – totalling about six minutes – in 3 years.

‘It’s important that you get back into a rhythm of playing football, and I haven’t done that in a while,’ Hargreaves told reporters. ‘There’s tons of games to come this season in various competitions. I’ve never not played in the Champions League. It’s pretty much been a standard for me every season.’

Hargreaves remaining out of commission would mean his absence in the matchup against his former club Bayern Munich.

‘Bayern is a wonderful club,’ said Hargreaves. ‘I had a great time there and won the Champions League. They are going to be tough opposition and it will be an exciting game for the club.’

Questions and controversy regarding his possible contributions to Manchester City have been circulating ever since word of his physical exam for the club surfaced. According to City officials, the exam indicated that the midfielder is poised to again become one of the dominant figures in the sport.

Despite the growing doubts about his possible contributions, teammates have publicly sworn that him returning to form is only a matter of time.

‘If we can get him fit, I’m sure it won’t be very long before he is back to his best,’ said City centre-back Joleon Lescott.

Previously, Lescott had assured reporters that signing Hargreaves to City despite his physical state will bring the club nothing but advantages.

‘Owen is an experienced player,’ he defended. ‘He has played in the Champions League, is an international. It is only going to be good for the City squad if he signs.’

Goalkeeper Hart echoed similar sentiments, declaring his support for the club’s decision and Hargreaves’ ability to greatly contribute to the team.

‘It would be a good signing,’ said Hart. ‘Obviously, [he] has done great for Bayern Munich.’

Hart added that Hargreaves’ setbacks are merely due to his physical condition, but not his ability to play football.

‘He was a very important England player,’ he said. ‘If he can get back to that form, obviously he would be an asset.’

Hargreaves has earned a number of notable football moments, including being voted England’s best player in the 2006 World Cup held in Germany.

His knee problems began to emerge after the 2008 Champions league match with Chelsea; the transfer to Manchester United was finalized after one year.

Sir Alex Ferguson, however, decided against renewing his contract with the Red Devils after lasting just 10 minutes in what was supposed to be his comeback game against the Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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