Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has explained Matija Nastasic's move to Schalke.

The defender has joined Schalke on an initial loan with the option to sign permanently.

The 21-year-old had fallen out of favour under Pellegrini and not appeared since the Community Shield on August 10.

Pellegrini said: "I think we have the four centre-backs we need in our squad but I don't have any problems with Matija. He is welcome here if he comes back.

"He is just 21 years old. He needs to play more in this moment. In this club, it is difficult."