Oleksandr Zinchenko has left Manchester City to join Arsenal.
The 25-year-old heads to north London for a new challenge after six trophy-filled years at the Etihad Stadium during which he has become the most successful Ukrainian in Premier League history.
He walks away with 128 appearances and two goals to his name, having won every honor available in English football, including four league titles, four Carabao Cups, one FA Cup and one Community Shield.
“Signing for Manchester City changed my life and I will always be grateful for the opportunity they gave me,” he said.
“It is a special club and this has been a special period. To have won 10 trophies is incredible and I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved together.
“I have loved being part of this squad. Play alongside world-class players and work with Pep Guardiola It has been an absolute privilege, I must say the same about playing in front of the fans, who always made me feel at home here”.
“I thank everyone for the support they have given me and I wish the Club the best in the future.”
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “I cannot speak highly enough of Oleks, both as a player and as a person.
“He should be very proud of his time here at City. He helped us achieve great things and the way he has behaved has been an example to all.”
“His professionalism and work ethic have been exceptional, and we all wish him the best of luck as he begins this new chapter in his career.”
Zinchenko, who signed in the summer of 2016, spent his first season as a City player on loan at PSV Eindhoven in what turned out to be a frustrating spell in the Netherlands.
He made 12 league appearances for the Eredivisie side before returning to Manchester ahead of the following campaign, making his debut in a Carabao Cup clash with Wolves in October 2017.
Initially signed as an attacking midfielder, Guardiola he converted Zinchenko to left-back, making use of his attacking qualities in a position that has become central to City’s style of play with the Catalan.
Technically gifted and with an eye for the pass, it is a role in which he has flourished.
The Ukrainian made 14 appearances in his debut campaign as part of the team that won the Premier League with a record 100 points and the Carabao Cup.
It was smooth sailing in the following season to further establish himself in the team of Guardiolamaking 29 appearances and starting in both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup Final as City swept up the table to win every available domestic trophy in the 2018/19 season.
Zinchenko scored his first goal for the Club in January of that season with a spectacular effort against Burton Albion and returned to Wembley in 2019/20, converting in the penalty shootout as City beat Liverpool in the Community Shield before winning their third goal. Carabao Cup with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.
He made 25 appearances in the season City lost to Liverpool in the league, but he and City responded to that setback excellently, playing a career-best 32 games in all competitions as we regained the title. and the Carabao Cup in 2020/21
However, last season was arguably Zinchenko’s most impressive in a City shirt, both on and off the pitch.
The 25-year-old showed incredible strength of character to carry on playing while his homeland was beset by war and proved to be an inspiring figure with numerous selfless acts in aid of his countrymen.
He poignantly placed the Ukrainian flag around the Premier League trophy after last day’s dramatic victory over Aston Villa, his last game for the club and undoubtedly one of the best as it had a game-changing impact since the bench to change the game. and race for the title in favor of City.
It was a fitting end to a player who will be fondly remembered at the Etihad.
Everyone at Manchester City sends Oleksandr the best wishes in this new stage.
STATISTICS IN THE CITY
Appearances: 128
Goals: 2
Assists: 13
Trophies won: 10 (Four Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups, one FA Cup and one Community Shield)
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