The former England left-back, who retired from the international scene after the 'John Terry saga' two seasons ago, was a first team regular when he completed his £12m move from Chelsea in January 2009, making 22 appearances in his first season, before adding another 28 in the 2009-10 campaign.
But, with the arrival of Serbian Aleksandar Kolarov, Bridge's first team opportunities were limited, and he made just seven outings last season - with the majority coming in the UEFA Europa League.
Now that Gaël Clichy has completed his £7m move from Arsenal, Bridge will find himself even further down the pecking order to fourth or maybe even fifth choice, with Pablo Zabaleta and Joleon Lescott preferred to slot in at left-back.
|Image courtesy of guardian.co.uk|
The former Chelsea man, who began his career at Southampton, will be surplus to requirements this season - unless, touch wood, all four players above him in the pecking order sustain some sort of horrific injury.
With Clichy leaving Arsenal, it has started a transfer bidding war for Newcastle United left-back Jose Enrique between the Gunners and Liverpool. Should any deal for the Spaniard go through, it seems likely that the Magpies will move for out-of-favour Bridge, who could be available for around £6m.
The 30-year-old will always be remembered by City fans for his refusal to shake former best friend Terry's hand during the 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge in February 2010. Tension had ben building between the two players after it was revealed that the Chelsea skipper had been having an affair with Bridge's then girlfriend.
So much was the anticipation of the handshake, SkySports even changed the schedule of their advertisements before the game just to broadcast the face-off between the two players.
It seems likely that the number three shirt will be vacated by Bridge this season, but I would like to wish him all the best for the rest of his career - should his future lie away from Eastlands.
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