Manchester City can confirm the list of players that have not renewed contracts and have been released by the Club.

Danny Mills joined City from Leeds in July 2004 and made 50 starts for the Blues, scoring once – a long-range screamer against Everton in 2005. Troubled by injuries, Danny was no longer a first choice later on in Stuart Pearce’s time as manager and had loan spells at Hull City, Charlton and Derby. While at Pride Park he picked up a serious knee injury in January 2008 and he has not played since.

Danny Sturridge was recruited by City’s Academy from Coventry six years ago. Highly-rated from a young age, he was a star of the Under 18 sides that went to the FA Youth Cup Final in 2006 and in 2008. A couple of substitute appearances for the first team came in 07/08, and in the following season he grabbed his first senior goal with a sublime piece of skill against Sheffield United in the FA Cup tie at Bramall Lane. His first league start three days later saw him score against Derby County, the team of his prolific goal-scoring uncle Dean. Four more goals followed in 2008/09, but after rejecting a contract offer from City he has left the Club.

Darius Vassell moved from Aston Villa, his only previous club, to City in July 2005. His striking partnership with Andy Cole early in his Blues career reaped dividends but as his time with City developed he worked tirelessly in whatever role he was asked to fill. In total Darius bagged 22 goals in 124 appearances for the Blues during his four-year stay.

Didi Hamann arrived from Bolton three years ago, and after a first season hampered by injuries, the German international showed his true colours under Sven-Goran Eriksson with some typically classy displays. His only goal for the Blues came in the first game of 08/09 against EB/Streymur, and he brought his experience to bear in the early stages of the UEFA Cup run before a toe injury ruled him out of most of the last few months of the season.

Michael Ball was offered a City contract by Stuart Pearce after impressing in a short trial after his departure from PSV Eindhoven. He quickly established himself as first-choice left back until the arrival of Javi Garrido the following summer saw him have to battle for his place under Sven-Goran Eriksson’s management. He scored his only City goal early in his stay in the FA Cup win at Preston, and in total he made 62 starts for the Blues.

Defender Glauber Berti, who made one substitute appearance after arriving last August, has also been released, as has goalkeeper Richard Martin.

The following players from the junior ranks have also been released by the Club: Matthew Brown, Ian Daly, Gregor Hartley, Ben Morris, Curtis Obeng, Chris Ramsey and Angelos Tsiaklis.

We thank all of them for their efforts and wish them well for the future.