“I Was Not Ready - To Be Honest" - Oleksandr Zinchenko Makes Stark Admission About Arsenal Transfer In Final Man City Interview

As announced earlier today, Oleksandr Zinchenko has finally completed his £30 million transfer to Arsenal from Manchester City.

Signing a four-year deal at the Emirates, the Ukrainian has re-united with former City assistant coach, Mikel Arteta, who took on the Emirates hot seat in late-2019.

Despite sharing a strong connection with the Sky Blue supporters, Zinchenko has a strong desire to play regular football - something that is not guaranteed under Pep Guardiola.

Moving to the club in 2016 for just £1.8 million, his move has signalled significant profit on a player who has developed at a rapid rate during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

Speaking to the club's official website for the final time, the midfielder-turned-full-back was asked for his overriding emotions after his move to North London was confirmed.

Zinchenko was a massive part of multiple trophy successes (REUTERS / Alamy)

“I was not ready - to be honest - for this day and especially when I gave a speech to the lads," Zinchenko began.

"It’s been an unbelievable time, unbelievable five seasons and six years - because in the first season I went on loan.

"But I still feel like I was a small part of this amazing club and I am so grateful to everyone who has done a lot of things for me and my family.

"It’s a sad day, but this is life, you have to carry on and I wish Manchester City all the best. They already know my phone is open for them 24 hours, so we will still be friends.”

As seen in multiple behind the scenes documentaries, the 25-year-old is certainly a well-loved member of the dressing room and his presence will be sorely missed.

When asked for his favourite moment in Sky Blue, the Ukraine international was stumped and just could not pick one of the incredible memories he's made in East Manchester.

“There was plenty of them, honestly I cannot choose one," he said.

"We achieve a lot of titles, there was plenty - I cannot choose one.”

Funnily enough, many supporters would argue his cameo in the final game of the season was his best ever performance.

Zinchenko in action vs Aston Villa (Sportimage / Alamy)

At half-time, Zinchenko replaced Fernandinho and produced a 45-minute display of utter class to drag City back into the game - and the rest is history.

But as humble as ever, the left-back was keen to point of the hero of that day was someone else.

“I would say the first name in my mind is Ilkay Gundogan - that guy really changed the game," Zinchenko continued.

"But once again, if I have the opportunity to say a massive thanks to all fans, all the Cityzens who was supporting me during this time."

He concluded, "Especially in the toughest moment of my life when Russian aggressive went to Ukraine and the war started, I felt amazing support around myself, around my family in the UK and once again, I cannot be more grateful for what they have done for me.”