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Footage Emerges Of Tearful Oleksandr Zinchenko's Emotional Farewell Speech To His Manchester City Teammates

Footage Emerges Of Tearful Oleksandr Zinchenko's Emotional Farewell Speech To His Manchester City Teammates

Zinchenko left City to join Arsenal in a £30m move earlier this month.

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan

Footage has emerged of Oleksandr Zinchenko bidding an emotional farewell to his Manchester City teammates ahead of his move to Arsenal. Watch the video below:

Zinchenko left City to join Arsenal in a £30m move earlier this month, signing a four-year deal at the Emirates.

It brought to an end the Ukrainian's six-year spell at the Etihad, during which time he helped the club win four Premier League titles.

After his move to Arsenal was confirmed, Zinchenko was given the opportunity to say goodbye to his City teammates with a speech to the squad.

Footage of the speech shows a clearly emotional Zinchenko hugging manager Pep Guardiola before speaking to his teammates.

"First of all I would like to say a massive thanks to the fantastic staff for this amazing opportunity to play a small part in this amazing club," said Zinchenko.

Zinchenko left City to join Arsenal earlier this month (Image: Alamy)
Zinchenko left City to join Arsenal earlier this month (Image: Alamy)

"I couldn't even dream that one day I would be a City player. I thought it was impossible. Every single day that I was spending here, I was learning a lot from everyone – all of you."

Zinchenko continued: "I want to say thanks to everyone, from the kitchen to the medical staff. You know everyone. My phone is open for you 24 hours, you know this.

"All of you, not just the players and the coaching staff, keep doing what you are doing and you will achieve everything.

"All of you are fantastic inside, every person is unbelievable."

Zinchenko then briefly loses his composure and appears to break into tears.

"I love you so much and you will be here forever," added the Ukrainian, pointing to his heart.

"I wasn't ready for this day but it is happening and we need to carry on. So there is nothing more to say. I cannot be grateful enough for everything that you have done for me and my family during all this fantastic time.

"Thank you so much."

After he finishes his speech, the rest of the City squad then break into a round of applause for Zinchenko.

The Ukraine international is now looking forward to his new career at Arsenal, having made his debut for the club in their 4-0 win over Chelsea in a pre-season friendly on Sunday.

The Gunners take on Sevilla on Saturday in their final warm-up match before starting their Premier League campaign away at Crystal Palace on August 5.

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Vlada Sedan & Twitter/Zorya Londonsk

Topics: Oleksandr Zinchenko, Football, Premier League, Manchester City, Arsenal

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

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