Tuesday 16 May 2017 23:31, UK
Pablo Zabaleta admits saying goodbye to Manchester City's supporters was his hardest moment in nine years at the club.
The Argentina international played at the Etihad Stadium as a City player for the final time on Tuesday night after coming on as a substitute in the second half of their 3-1 win over West Brom.
Zabaleta announced at the weekend he is leaving when his contract expires this summer and concedes it was difficult to bring his time playing at Eastlands to an end.
He said: "It was so tough to play that half an hour. [There were] so many emotional moments. Every time I was touching the ball, good memories were coming to my mind.
"It's the hardest moment of my City career. I have to be honest and say I never thought when I first came to Manchester I would be here for that long.
"It was a different era for the club but a few days after I signed my contract, everything changed. The new owners came to the club and everything started.
"Being here from day one is something that makes me feel very proud. It's been a wonderful nine years.
"In life, you have to make tough decisions and always think what is best for myself, for the family, for the club especially. I feel I have done enough and it's the right time probably for me to move on.
"I love this club and thank you to the fans, Sheikh Mansour, (club chairman) Khaldoon (Al Mubarak), the board and everyone at the club.
"They made me a better player, a better person and it was a big pleasure to play for the shirt. This is the hardest moment for me but it's also so special to be able to say thank you to everyone."
Zabaleta played a key role in the most successful period in City's history, which saw them win two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups between 2011 and 2016.
He added: "I'm so proud. What I have done for the club is just what every single player should do for the team he is playing for, always showing loyalty to the club on and off the pitch.
"I was so proud to play in the most successful period in City's history. I had many good moments. I've been lucky to play alongside some great players and it was an absolute privilege.
"The first time I met Khaldoon, he said: 'Guys, we are going to build something special', and for me that was a special challenge. I wanted to be part of that football club."
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