Bridge puzzled by Mancini snub

London - Out of favour Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge says he has no idea why coach Roberto Mancini has frozen him out of his first team calculations.

The 31-year-old has made just one appearance for the Premier League leaders who are looking to sell him in the January transfer window.

The former Chelsea left-back, who collects a reported £90 000 weekly salary which other clubs are unwilling to match, spoke out in Saturday's Daily Mail.

He told the paper: "When I was at Chelsea I was playing for a team where Ashley Cole was the best in the world and I still got games.

"It won't happen at City. There has never been an explanation, but it's obvious they don't want me.

"Mancini doesn't really speak to me, he doesn't really speak to any of the players. The only time I've known a player isolated like this was Winston Bogarde at Chelsea. Usually you still train with the first team, even when they want you out."

Bridge added: "I've never caused trouble, I'm not that kind of character.

"There will be days when I'm frustrated - not depressed, but down. Training helps take my mind off the fact that I don't play.

"If I kicked up a fuss I might have got out easier."