Bridge: Mancini doesn't speak to me

Wayne Bridge has hit back at Roberto Mancini after the Manchester City manager questioned his motives for remaining at the Blues.

The Italian has made it perfectly clear the full-back has no future at the Etihad Stadium and implied earlier this week he was staying put for the money. The 31-year-old collects a reported £90,000 weekly salary which other clubs are unwilling to match.

But Bridge has responded by claiming he has never been offered an explanation for why he has been frozen out by Mancini, telling the Daily Mail: "When I was at Chelsea I was playing for a team where Ashley Cole was the best in the world and I still got games."

Bridge, who has only been called on once this season, for the Carling Cup tie against Birmingham in September, added: "It won't happen at City. There has never been an explanation, but it's obvious they don't want me.

"Mancini doesn't really speak to me, he doesn't really speak to any of the players. The only time I've known a player isolated like this was Winston Bogarde at Chelsea. Usually you still train with the first team, even when they want you out."

Former Holland defender Bogarde spent four years at Stamford Bridge, making just nine Premier League appearances in total.

Bridge added: "I've never caused trouble, I'm not that kind of character.

"There will be days when I'm frustrated - not depressed, but down. Training helps take my mind off the fact that I don't play. If I kicked up a fuss I might have got out easier."