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Sylvain Distin has left Manchester City to seek "a fresh challenge".
The 29-year-old defender was offered a new contract at the City of Manchester Stadium but has opted to end his five-year spell with the club.
"It has been an incredibly tough decision but I just feel I want a fresh challenge," said the Frenchman, who is now expected to sign for Portsmouth.
"I had five very enjoyable years at City and I wish them all the best but I want to play somewhere different."
Distin missed just one Premiership match last season and finished third in City's player of the year poll.
It is thought City's contract offer would have made Distin the highest-paid player in the club's history.
The former Newcastle defender came close to joining Middlesbrough last summer but could not agree personal terms.
Manager Stuart Pearce, who was sacked by the club at the end of the season, decided to take a risk in letting the Frenchman see out the last year of his previous deal in the hope of persuading him to stay.
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According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Portsmouth have almost reached an agreement with Udinese for Sulley Muntari.
Recently, Pompey boss Harry Redknapp insisted that the price tag on the powerhouse midfielder's head was far too high for the finances of the club.
Portsmouth were willing to pay £8m for Muntari, while Udinese's asking price was £2m higher.
Reports from Italy suggest that the Italian outfit have cut the price for the Ghanaian international, and are now asking £8.5m for the player.
It is believed that with such a little gap between asking price and offer the two clubs will find an arrangement within the end of the month.
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Would be two excellent signings.
A team to watch out for next season?
The 29-year-old defender was offered a new contract at the City of Manchester Stadium but has opted to end his five-year spell with the club.
"It has been an incredibly tough decision but I just feel I want a fresh challenge," said the Frenchman, who is now expected to sign for Portsmouth.
"I had five very enjoyable years at City and I wish them all the best but I want to play somewhere different."
Distin missed just one Premiership match last season and finished third in City's player of the year poll.
It is thought City's contract offer would have made Distin the highest-paid player in the club's history.
The former Newcastle defender came close to joining Middlesbrough last summer but could not agree personal terms.
Manager Stuart Pearce, who was sacked by the club at the end of the season, decided to take a risk in letting the Frenchman see out the last year of his previous deal in the hope of persuading him to stay.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Portsmouth have almost reached an agreement with Udinese for Sulley Muntari.
Recently, Pompey boss Harry Redknapp insisted that the price tag on the powerhouse midfielder's head was far too high for the finances of the club.
Portsmouth were willing to pay £8m for Muntari, while Udinese's asking price was £2m higher.
Reports from Italy suggest that the Italian outfit have cut the price for the Ghanaian international, and are now asking £8.5m for the player.
It is believed that with such a little gap between asking price and offer the two clubs will find an arrangement within the end of the month.
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Would be two excellent signings.
A team to watch out for next season?
Last edited by on Tue May 22, 2007 11:23 am; edited 1 time in total
