James Milner is delaying a decision about his future after waiting to discover if he starts enough games to persuade him to sign a new deal with Manchester City.
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The England international has begun contract talks with the Premier League champions, who risk losing the midfielder on a free transfer next summer.
Milner featured in 44 matches for City last season, but started just 12 in the Premier League and hinted he was not treated fairly then.
The former Leeds, Newcastle and Aston Villa man said he would like to stay at City -- but only if he is given enough game time.
"I have a year left and have spoken to the club," Milner told the Manchester Evening News. "I love it here and would love to stay at Manchester City but first and foremost I am a footballer and want to play football. Hopefully I can play enough games and will be here for the long term.
"You want to win trophies, and I have been fortunate enough to do that, but I want to do that and ideally play in enough games. It's an amazing club to be at - I have won trophies, it has great fans and I am playing with some of the best players in the world. If you get that game time as well, it is perfect."
Milner, who was also chosen for the 2-2 draw at Arsenal, earned rave reviews for his performance in last weekend's 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
While it maintained his reputation as a big-game player and earned him the praise of manager Manuel Pellegrini, the 28-year-old is waiting to see if it brings him more opportunities in the starting XI.
"Sunday was my second start of the season and I would like a few more," he added. "I understand I won't play in every game, I just want a fair crack of the whip, a few more games than I got last year.
"You have to perform as well, and that is never easy when you are in and out of the team. I want to play as well as I can, and the more you play the more you can show what you can do.
"When you are getting the game time, it's amazing, but when you are not playing it is frustrating because you want to contribute. But that is all part of being at a big club -- all I can do is work as hard as I can, when I get chance I have to play as well as I can and make the manager keep picking me as much as possible.
"We have had talks, but I want to see how it goes. Hopefully I will play enough games and can be at City for the long term."