Legend Zabaleta meets City fans in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Manchester City fans in the UAE were left in awe after meeting club legend Pablo Zabaleta during his recent visit to the country.

Zabaleta, who was part of the squad to win the club’s historic first Premier League title in 2012, met hundreds of fans and football enthusiasts at the official Manchester City stores in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Mall and Dubai Mall – the club’s two retail locations in the country, operated by Puma.

The defender also paid a surprise visit to City Football Schools sessions at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, and Nord Anglia School in Dubai.

Not only did he join in with the young players on the pitch and take questions, but also handed out their Player of the Month Award sponsored by Etihad Airways.

Fans of all ages got the chance to get autographs and take pictures with the Argentine international, who helped the club win six trophies, including two Premier League titles, during his nine-year spell between 2008 and 2017.

The 40-year-old said: “It was fantastic to see so many people representing different ages and nationalities during my visit in the UAE for Manchester City. Their excitement and love for the club and for football in general really shone through and I hope my visit left them with some nice memories. You can see the passion for football the country has, and the talent and enjoyment shown by the young players was fantastic to see – the game is only going to go from strength to strength here.”

Zabaleta added: “It was also great to visit City Challenge and the City Store at Yas Mall and the City Store in Dubai Mall. It’s two brilliant venues and the perfect place for fans to get their Manchester City merchandise.”