Manchester City let McManaman go

McManaman career stats

Manchester City have released former England midfielder Steve McManaman.

The 33-year-old struggled to make an impact at the club since joining from Real Madrid in 2003 because of a recurring Achilles injury.

"Steve is going away on holiday for a break from football," Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce told the Manchester Evening News.

"He will decide then where his future lies - but it is not here. Our finances meant we couldn't keep him."

Have Your Say Reaction to McManaman's exit

McManaman was brought back to the Premiership by former City boss Kevin Keegan.

The midfielder made 44 appearances for City, his last being the home defeat to Bolton in March - which was also Keegan's final match in charge.

McManaman had already made it clear he would not seek a new deal at Eastlands if he did not feel he was at full fitness.

McManaman celebrates winning the Champions League in 2000 with Real

McManaman moved to Real from Liverpool on a Bosman free transfer in 1999 and capped his first season at the Bernabeu with a stunning strike in the Champions League final against Valencia.

He also won the league title in 2001 and 2003 and the Champions League for the second time in 2002.

But the 33-year-old has not recaptured that form back in the Premiership and has already hinted he could retire from the game.