And when seeking an explanation from Pearce, Mills has revealed he turned the tables on the City boss.
“I did question one or two of the manager's decisions but I felt I had every right to,” Mills told BBC Radio Manchester.
“We lost 10 out of our last 11 games and our form since the FA Cup defeat to West Ham was appalling.
“What has happened doesn't really hurt. That is football. You get used to it. I am old enough and experienced enough to deal with it. But it has surprised me slightly.
“I will look at any offer but ultimately, the ball is in my court," he added.
“I have 3 years left on my contract and if I want to stay and fight for my place, that is what I will do.
“One of his first decisions was to drop me,” recalled Mills. “I took it on the chin, came back in pre-season, got myself fit and back into the side.
“The manager even brought me into his office and told me how well I was doing and how he wanted me to keep it going.
“I was even joking that perhaps I should bring my agent in to discuss a new contract. But then I got injured and only played 5 games from the end of November onwards.”
“I have 3 years left on my contract and if I want to stay and fight for my place, that is what I will do.
“One of his first decisions was to drop me,” recalled Mills. “I took it on the chin, came back in pre-season, got myself fit and back into the side.
“The manager even brought me into his office and told me how well I was doing and how he wanted me to keep it going.
“I was even joking that perhaps I should bring my agent in to discuss a new contract. But then I got injured and only played 5 games from the end of November onwards.”