Aleksandar Kolarov reveals he considered switch away from Manchester City

The left back has played a major role this season

Aleksandar Kolarov of Manchester City is challenged by Adam Johnson of Sunderland during the Capital One Cup Final between Manchester City and Sunderland at Wembley Stadium (Getty)

Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov has revealed he did consider leaving the club last summer.

The Serbia international was linked with a move to Italy after failing to hold down a regular place during the 2012-13 campaign.

But Kolarov felt he still had something to prove at the Etihad Stadium and, after the apointment of manager Manuel Pellegrini, vowed to stay on.

The 28-year-old now feels his decision to resist interest from elsewhere has been justified.

Kolarov told City TV: "Last season I was thinking, because I didn't play a lot, it was maybe a good thing for me to move.

"I had a couple of opportunities but I refused everything because I didn't want to go from here, (having not) shown the people what I can do.

"Now this season I have had this opportunity and shown what I can do.

"For me it is like a victory, personally, for myself.

"If you play regularly you can improve a lot every game."

Kolarov, who has started 28 games and scored four goals this season, must still battle with Gael Clichy for a place at left-back.

But despite that competition, Kolarov feels his game has been allowed to flourish under Pellegrini.

Asked what Pellegrini had done differently for him, Kolarov said: "Nothing special, (he) just gave me the opportunity to play more regularly.

"So I think his way of thinking is maybe the good thing (for) how I am playing football.

"We are playing a lot with wings, attackers. It is good for me.

"He gave me the opportunity to play more regularly, so I am just showing what I can do.

"I think I am having a good season so I hope I can finish in this way."

PA