Manuel Pellegrini has urged James Milner to sign a new contract at Manchester City after a a record-breaking performance for the champions.
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Milner followed up his injury-time equaliser against Hull at the weekend by playing a starring role in City’s 4-1 win at Stoke on Wednesday night, heading in their second goal.
But his value to Manuel Pellegrini's side was further underlined by a stat that showed he had covered the most ground by a Premier League player in a single game this season - 13.56km.
The 29-year-old is yet to commit his future but City supporters at the Britannia noisily implored Milner to stay put.
Pellegrini hails 'big' win at Stoke
And while admitting contract negotiations can prove to be difficult, Pellegrini reiterated City's desire to keep hold of the England international.
"When you are trying to sign a contract you need both parties to agree to it, so maybe that's why it's not so easy to get it signed," Pellegrini said.
"But I repeat, the most important thing is that the club wants Milner to stay here, and he has to decide what he wants to do with his future."
Having spared City’s blushes with a last-minute free kick against the Tigers, Milner proved pivotal at the Britannia as City powered past a resilient Stoke side to stay in touch with league leaders Chelsea.
Player Profile
7. James Milner
- Appearances 23 (15)
- Goals 5
- Assists 8
- Yellows 4
- Reds 0
- Current Season domestic and international figures 12th Feb 2015
Milner, whose contract expires at the end of the summer, has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Liverpool as well as a number of European clubs.
Top five distances covered by a Premier League player during 2014/15 season.*
James Milner – MAN CITY v Stoke – 13.56km – 11/02/15
George Boyd – BURNLEY v Newcastle – 13.55km – 01/01/15
Tom Carroll – SWANSEA v Southampton – 13.47km – 01/02/15
George Boyd – BURNLEY v Stoke – 13.34km – 22/11/14
George Boyd – BURNLEY v Man Utd – 13.30km – 11/02/15
*Data courtesy of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, Official Player Ranking Index of the Premier League.