Ilkay Gundogan's wife has come under fire after branding all restaurants in Manchester as 'horrible'.
Sara Arfaoui, who married the Manchester City captain earlier this year, was asked on Instagram to name her favourite place to eat out in the city. The 27-year-old said she had struggled to find a 'good restaurant' as all the food was 'frozen'.
Her comments have sparked backlash among foodies and critics - and may not bode well with her husband's manager Pep Guardiola, who owns a city centre restaurant himself. A fan on Instagram asked the Italian: "Favourite restaurant in Manchester?"
She replied: "Sorry I'm sad to be honest but nothing. I tried so bad to find a good restaurant but... horrible food everywhere.
"Can't find a real Italian or good sushi or just fresh food .. everything frozen. Restaurants here are just focus on making money with drinks and shot like night clubs not quality food.
"Maybe in London but in Manchester nothing. I'm sorry."
Renowned food critic Jay Rayner, quoted by the Sun, responded: "This is a ludicrous point of view. Manchester’s packed full of brilliant, independent restaurants.
"It’s an absolute gem of a place to eat and comments like this during difficult economic times are not helpful to businesses struggling to make ends meet."
One local restaurant owner, who reportedly contacted Sara directly, told her in a message: "There’s so many great restaurants in Manchester. I suggest you do research before you speak."
They added: "And only because your husband is a footballer and you have money and you have everything probably paid for and a great life given to you here in Manchester. You should be grateful for that instead of slagging restaurants."
But Sara hit back: "So because we are successful people we can’t give an honest opinion? I tried all the best restaurants here but for me it’s a no. I can’t lie.
"Unfortunately I’m used to Italy so you can imagine it’s hard to compare."
She added: "It’s a great city, great people but not for restaurants."
Among the local eateries is Spanish restaurant Tast, co-owned by Guardiola, and Mana, given a Michelin star in 2019, the first in the city for over 40 years.
Manchester's best bars and restaurants were recently revealed at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards, with Where the Light Gets In in Stockport awarded restaurant of the year and Chorlton tapas bar Bar San Juan awarded neighbourhood venue of the year.
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