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Defender Distin leaves Man City

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.

606: DEBATE

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.