Nathan Ake admits his first season as a Manchester City player was a frustrating one, as he vowed to work harder next year to help his side get even better.
Ake, 26, was a £40m signing from relegated Bournemouth last summer, bolstering a central defensive area that had not been addressed since Vincent Kompany's departure. However, Ruben Dias arrived soon after, and a combination of John Stones' resurgence and injury problems meant that Ake only played 13 times for City.
Of those games, five came in the Premier League after the title was effectively secured and Europe took priority, while another was the final Champions League group game dead rubber at Marseille, and two more were substitute appearances.
Part of Ake's frustrations come from his hamstring problems, which saw him miss 27 games around the time of City's best form of the season. When he returned, the Champions League knockout stages were in full flow and the team was closing in on a Premier League title.
And after watching City lose the Champions League final from the bench, Ake took to social media to share his disappointment at falling at the final hurdle.
He wrote: "Disappointed that we could not end a great season perfectly in the weekend but proud to be part of this amazing team.
"My injuries this year have been frustrating and without fans it has not been the same but we are looking forward to next season where we will work even harder!"
Ake also penned a tribute to outgoing City legend Sergio Aguero as he looked ahead to joining up with the Netherlands squad for the Euro 2020 tournament.
He continued: "@kunaguero you will be missed. Thank you for your support this season, now off to the Euros! See you after the summer."
