Oleksandr Zinchenko's Story Is An Inspirational One, He's Defied The Odds

Born in Radomyshl, where other kids wouldn't pass to him at the local football academy as a youngster, he ended up spending six years at Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine's biggest club.

Zinchenko captained Shakhat's Under 19 side and things were progressing well. But because of war in the region, he and his family were forced to leave the country in 2014.

It meant Zinchenko was without a club for five months and following a contract dispute and a period where he was training in the streets of Moscow by himself, he ended up signing for Russian side FC Ufa and began his professional career there.

Loaned out to PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands for a season, he looked destined to be a player City would sell for a bit of profit without him ever playing a competitive game.

However, with unrivalled mentality and work ethic, he ended up forcing his way into Guardiola's plans as a makeshift left-back.

And in his final season, he had to deal with the war going on in his country following the invasion from Vladimir Putin and Russia.

The 25-year-old became a real fan favourite at City and leaves with all the best wishes in his new chapter at Arsenal, where he is reunited with Mikel Arteta and former teammate Gabriel Jesus.

"It’s a special club and this has been a special period. To have won 10 trophies is incredible and I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved together."

Zinchenko was asked what it takes to make a footballer and he gave the perfect response when he replied, saying: "1% talent, 99% hard work."