Oleksandr Zinchenko Opens Up On Heartfelt Speech To Manchester City Squad

Oleksandr Zinchenko gave an emotional speech to the Manchester City squad in the USA.

The 25 year-old, who has been at the Etihad Stadium since 2016, has completed an initial £30 million move to Arsenal.

Zinchenko has made 128 appearances and 99 starts for the Premier League champions, winning ten trophies - including four Premier League titles.

Having made his debut in the Carabao Cup against Wolves, the Ukrainian has gone on to play a key role for Pep Guardiola, culminating in the versatile midfielder starting in Manchester City's maiden Champions League final in 2021.

Zinchenko has continually been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium, and the 25 year-old has chosen to now depart the Sky Blues for north London, where he will be reunited with Mikel Arteta.

Arteta, who was previously Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, replaced Unai Emery as Arsenal manager in 2019.

The Ukraine midfielder becomes the second City player to move to the Emirates this summer, after Gabriel Jesus completed a £45 million move from the Blues.

City are currently on pre-season tour in the United States.

Guardiola's side face friendlies against Club America and Bayern Munich, as they prepare for the fast approaching 2022/23 campaign.

During his farewell interview with the club, Zinchenko, who is now travelling to join Arsenal's squad in Orlando, revealed that he gave an emotional departing speech to the City squad in Houston.

Discussing his address to the squad, the 25 year-old said: “It was so emotional because I was trying to practice this speech in my room, but I just kept saying to myself ‘Aleks, hold your tears, that’s the main thing - but it’s impossible.

"When you see all these guys in front of you, who with most I have spent many years, a lot of memories, in good and bad ways, we were happy, not happy.

"There are a lot of moments we have shared with each other and that’s life. I am so happy that one day, I can say to my grandson and granddaughters that I was a small part of this amazing club.”

Zinchenko played a key role in the Sky Blues' title run-in and was of particular importance to City on the final day of the season, as they dramatically came back from 2-0 down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 and retain their Premier League crown.

The 25 year-old also started the enthralling 4-3 City win over Real Madrid in the Champions League Semi-Final first-leg.

Manchester City are now expected to step up their pursuit of Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella, as the Blues look to sign a left-back prior to the start of the new campaign.

City begin their Premier League title defence away to West Ham at the London Stadium.

The Blues' trip to the Emirates on October 18th will also be of eager interest to supporters.