Hargreaves released by City

Manchester - Injury-plagued midfielder Owen Hargreaves was released by Manchester City on Tuesday after making just four appearances during his only season at the Premier League champions.

City unexpectedly gave the former England international a short-term deal last August after he was released by Manchester United, where he failed to complete a game in three years.

A Champions League winner with Bayern Munich and United, Hargreaves joined City after resorting to posting videos on YouTube showing himself working in a gym and running to prove his fitness.

The 31-year-old Canadian-born player has played 42 times for England, but has been dogged by knee, hamstring and shoulder injuries.

His last appearance was in City's 3-2 loss to United in the FA Cup on January 8 when he played the last eight minutes.