Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has revealed that Wayne Bridge was told to find a new club two years ago.
The former Chelsea defender has been shunned from the North West first team but has refused to join another club.
The 31-year-old is believed to have accused Mancini of not communicating with his players, but the Italian boss has refuted such suggestions.
"This is not true," said Mancini. "I spoke with Bridge last season and the season before, two years ago.
"I said 'Wayne you are not part of our plans, it is better that you find a good solution for you, because if you stay here it is difficult for you to play'. So Bridge has known about this situation for two years."
Meanwhile, Mancini has claimed that Carlos Tevez could move to AC Milan on a permanent deal within the next ten days.