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Manchester City confirm Jesus Navas, Gael Clichy and Willy Caballero are leaving the club

Jesus Navas will leave the club when his contract expires in June: Getty
Jesus Navas will leave the club when his contract expires in June: Getty

Manchester City have confirmed that Jesus Navas will leave the club following the expiration of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Having joined the Citizens in the summer of 2013 from Sevilla, the Spaniard made 183 appearances in a sky blue shirt but became a peripheral figure under Pep Guardiola this season.

The 31-year-old turned out just 24 times in the Premier League during the 2016/17 campaign, claiming two assists as City finished third.

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His bit-part role led to speculation over his future in Manchester, and it has now been confirmed that Navas will become a free agent once his deal runs out at the end of June.

“Working with Jesus has been a pleasure,” Citizens director of football Txiki Begiristein reflected as part of a statement on the club’s official website. “His hard work, dedication, professionalism and desire to win have been apparent every single day.

“He showed his versatility numerous times this season, operating at full-back and doing so with distinction. I wish him all the very best with his next move.”

Gael Clichy is also leaving City (Getty)
Gael Clichy is also leaving City (Getty)

Winger Navas scored eight goals during his Etihad spell, helping City win the Premier League title in 2014 and the League Cup in 2014 and 2016.

Meanwhile, it has also been confirmed that Frenchman Gael Clichy will be released.

The former Arsenal man signed for the club in 2011 and, like Navas, won numerous honours during his stint in the North West.

"It's been a special six years for me at City," the 31-year-old commented. "To win four major trophies and help establish the club as one of the top teams in English football has been an incredible journey that I'm proud to have been a part of.”

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Back-up goalkeeper Willy Caballero has also been released.

The trio’s exit comes as the latest sign that manager Guardiola is looking to freshen up his squad in the close-season.

Pablo Zabaleta has already announced his departure from the club, while the futures of Yaya Toure and Bacary Sagna are all in the balance – the trio’s contracts expire next month and no new deals have yet been signed.