Kalvin Phillips has promised to stay and fight for his place at Manchester City.
Phillips, 27, ended up winning the treble in his first season at the Etihad but admits he wants to play more regularly after starting just two Premier League games. But Phillips is determined to adapt and plans to speak to Pep Guardiola in pre-season as he insisted he can follow examples like Jack Grealish and Nathan Ake who took a year to settle.
England midfielder Phillips said: "I came to Manchester City to win trophies and we won the trophies but I didn't play as much as I wanted to do. My intention is to stay there. We have just won the Treble, so there is no reason for me to leave other than if I am not playing I will obviously have to think about it. I cannot give it 12 months and say I am not playing so I am going to leave.
"As you have seen with many players at City, it can take quite a while to cement yourself into the team. Hopefully I will enjoy my off season and then work hard when I get back. I've had injuries as well but City have been amazing in helping me get fit.
"I will definitely speak to Pep. I don't know whether it will be in the summer because everyone enjoys their downtime and everyone wants their space away from football so I'll probably leave it until I go back for pre-season but I'll just speak to him and have a good conversation.
"I know how difficult it is to understand the way Pep wants to play and how quickly you need to adapt to play in his system. I am on the brink of almost getting it. Obviously there is a little bit of work in pre-season and hopefully be alright.
"I spoke to quite a few of the players about it. Nathan Ake being one, Jack. They all said the same; they all said the first 12 months were the hardest of their City careers but after that it…it doesn't become easy, but easier. I'm just going to go away for the off-season and enjoy myself with my family and girlfriend and friends and then come back fighting."
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Phillips admits he enjoyed celebrating City's Treble and scoring his first goal for England in the 7-0 thumping of North Macedonia was a perfect way to finish the campaign. He added: "It has been an unbelievable few weeks, as everyone knows we have been celebrating the Treble.
"It was a great achievement to score - but I didn’t know how to celebrate really! I want to thank everyone who has got me to the point and contributed to me doing what I do. It is a tremendous achievement and I am very happy.
"We are all young lads and we were always going to celebrate the Treble. When Man United won the Treble, I dread to think what they were doing at that time. It was a great time to celebrate and spend it with my family as well."
