Gattuso not keen on back-up role

AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso will reconsider his future at the club if he does not get more playing time.

The Italy international, who is a reported target of Manchester City, has seen his minutes on the pitch decrease this term, partly due to injuries as well as coach Leonardo´s rotation policy.

“I am Rino Gattuso and I cannot wait for someone to get injured in order to play,” Gattuso told Corriere dello Sport. “I would be lying if I said that everything is okay.

“At this time I am not happy because of the injury and the fact that I am not being used much.

“I still feel strong and I am disappointed not to be able to prove it.

“I don’t accept the thought that I am no longer indispensable.”

Gattuso, who is currently battling a muscle injury, has made just seven league appearances for the Rossoneri this campaign.

“Will I leave the club in January?”, said Gattuso. “It´s still early.

“There are still five or six games left to play before the Christmas break.

“I will have to talk to the club and with (AC Milan vice-president Adriano) Galliani because it’s not nice that after 11 years at the club you play once in a while.”

The 31-year-old has been with the Rossoneri since 1999 and was a crucial member of the Italy squad which won the 2006 World Cup.

Gattuso is hoping to make Marcello Lippi´s World Cup squad.

“Lippi has assured me that even if I play less, there would still be a place in the World Cup squad for me,” he said.

Gattuso is under contract with the Rossoneri until June 2011.