McManaman released from Manchester City
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-05-20 19:23

Former England midfielder Steve McManaman will leave Manchester City when his contract expires in June and may retire.

McManaman was signed from Real Madrid two years ago by Kevin Keegan, but struggled with Achilles and hamstring injuries. He started just five games this season and wasn't offered a new contract.

He played a total 44 games for City. He hasn't featured since City's 1-0 loss to Bolton, Keegan's final game as manager.

``He is basically going away on holiday for a break from football,'' Stuart Pearce, Keegan's replacement, said Friday. ``He will decide then where his future lies from there _ but it is not here.''

Pearce said City couldn't afford to offer McManaman a new contract because he didn't play enough games.

``He kept being held up with little injuries,'' Pearce said. ``I am not sure where he will go. If he decides to join another club, that is fine.''

McManaman, 33, won two Champions Leagues and two Spanish league titles with Real Madrid. He moved to Madrid in 1999 after 10 years at Liverpool, his first professional club.

He played for England at the 1996 and 2000 European Championships and earned 37 caps.

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