Paul Bosvelt has explained his reasons for leaving Manchester City to join Heerenveen.

The Dutchman is returning to his homeland at the end of the season after agreeing a two-year deal with Heerenveen.

Caretaker City manager Stuart Pearce was somewhat taken aback by the decision, but the midfielder concedes he is joining Heerenveen because he thinks he will get more first team football.

“When Kevin Keegan was here I got an offer for half a year,” Bosvelt told the club’s official website.

“When Keegan left Stuart Pearce explained that he didn’t know what was happening about his own job so he had to leave all contract talks until the summer.

“I thought that was fair but he also said as a Bosman I could look around and that is what I did.

“At this stage of my career I need to be seriously involved playing in a side on a regular basis.

“Heerenveen have shown me they are not worried about my age even though I am not as quick as in the early days.”