Wednesday 28 June 2017 09:23, UK
Wilfried Bony wants to prove his worth to Manchester City, but admits the club have to decide if he is needed.
The 28-year-old striker signed for City for £28m in January 2015 after scoring 26 goals in 54 Premier League games for Swansea, but struggled to secure a regular starting berth at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola allowed Bony to spend last season on loan at Stoke, where the Ivory Coast forward managed just two goals in 10 games for the Potters - averaging a goal every 345 minutes - but Bony insists he is capable of rediscovering the form that persuaded City to buy him.
"I love the club, the fans," Bony told Sky Sports News HQ. "I want to show that Wilfried Bony is still the same player. I've been through a difficult time.
"Leading the goalscoring two years ago, it's still me, nothing has changed, just a difficult time. I just want to show them I can do more than that so I just need to get myself ready."
Guardiola has signed 20-year-old striker Gabriel Jesus during Bony's time away from the club, while he remains interested in bringing Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez to further bolster City's attacking options, according to Sky sources.
Bony is ready to fight for his place when City begin their preparations for next season, but admits his future is not necessarily in his hands.
"Manchester City have to decide how many players [they want]," Bony added, speaking at the launch of a record label intended to raise money for children's charities.
"I'm a Manchester City player. I'm just getting myself ready for the pre-season on July 10.
"It didn't work the way we wanted [at Stoke] but I thank the coach, the fans, because we really enjoyed the time there. I'm looking forward now, that's the past for me. I wish them well next season."
