An Olympic gold medal winner, Zabaleta has proved adept at both right back and in central midfield, and Roberto Mancini made full use of his experience and ability so that, despite opening 2009-10 on the bench, he eventually started 23 League games.   

He had been part of the Argentina international youth set up from the age of 14 before standing on the podium at the Beijing Games.

After captaining his country to victory in the 2005 Under 20 World Cup, Pablo crossed the Atlantic and joined Espanyol, helping the La Liga outfit to reach the 2007 UEFA Cup final, where they lost out on penalties to Sevilla.

Mark Hughes brought him to Manchester in August, 2008 and he made his debut for the Blues in the home defeat to Chelsea on September 13. He proved versatile and durable, winning admirers amongst City fans who voted him into third place in their Player of the Season poll. He notched his first goal for the club in the 1-0 win over Wigan in January, 2009 and his second came 22 months later against Fulham, helping to condemn his former City boss to defeat with a spectacular long-range strike.

In all he made 39 starts in his first season in English football, and in the following campaign his versatility saw him cement his place as an invaluable member of the squad. He made his 100th appearance against Blackpool on January 1,  2011.

Surprisingly, Argentina coach Diego Maradona did not elect to take him to the 2010 World Cup, but Pablo's wholehearted displays and committed tackling have seen him become a firm favourite with City's fans.

Pablo Zabaleta's Gallery

Pablo Zabaleta - Mr Indestructible

Pablo was in the wars last year, here's a compilation of all the knocks and bruises he recieved.

Pablo Zabaleta - Christie Hospital visit

Pablo visits two fans at The Christie Hospital, signing some merchandise for two patients and taking time out for some picture taking with the staff and patients at the hospital.

Pablo Zabaleta - FA Cup Reaction

Pablo tells us how happy he is after winning the FA Cup and believes a lot of Argentinians will be proud of him and his teammate Carlos Tevez.