Oleksandr Zinchenko has opened up on the emotional farewell speech he gave to his Manchester City teammates before completing his move to Arsenal.
On Friday the 25-year-old Ukrainian joined Arsenal for an initial transfer fee of £30million, although City could receive a further £2m due to achievable performance-related payments.
Zinchenko becomes the second City player to join Arsenal this summer after Gabriel Jesus made the switch a couple of weeks ago. For both players, the opportunity to work with former City assistant manager Mikel Arteta is believed to have played a key part in their decision.
City have made a major profit on the left-back, who they signed in 2016 for just £1.6m. After spending his first season on loan at PSV Eindhoven, Zinchenko become a key part of the City squad that won four Premier League titles in five years.
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He became a fans' favourite among City supporters and, as Pep Guardiola admitted this week, was a key figure in the dressing room. The Ukrainian was clearly loved by his teammates and it appears that the feeling was mutual.
Speaking to CityTV in a farewell interview, Zinchenko admitted that he found it extremely difficult to say goodbye to his teammates in Houston before flying to Orlando to complete his move to Arsenal.
"It was so emotional because I was trying to practice this speech in my room, but I just kept saying to myself ‘Oleks, hold your tears, that’s the main thing' - but it’s impossible," said Zinchenko.
"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.
"I’ve loved being part of this City squad. Playing alongside world-class players and working with Pep Guardiola has been an absolute privilege. I must say the same about playing in front of the fans, who always made me feel so at home.
"I was not really ready for this. A sad day but this is life, you have to carry on. An unbelievable time, unbelievable six years – I was a small part of this amazing club. So grateful to everyone who has done a lot to help me and my family."
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