Zinchenko speaks out: Gunners defender addresses ManCity fans after a heated confrontation with former teammates
Oleksandr Zinchenko thanked Manchester City’s supporters for the reception he received last night upon his return to his former club.
The Ukraine international spent six trophy-filled years at the Etihad Stadium prior to his summer transfer to Arsenal.
Zinchenko has been instrumental in transforming the Gunners into title contenders, but he was relegated to the bench for last night’s FA Cup fourth-round match.
The 26-year-old was introduced midway through the second half, but he was unable to help Mikel Arteta’s team score the equalizer that would have secured a replay.
Zinchenko was greeted warmly by City’s supporters, but events took a bizarre turn at the final whistle when he was involved in a scuffle with Ilkay Gundogan.
Not sure if Zinchenko is happy or angry here 😄😡#ITVFootball | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/eQnxxOzrwu
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 27, 2023
Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, and Ruben Dias all attempted to defuse the situation before Joao Cancelo led Zinchenko away.
Zinchenko did exchange shirts with Walker before heading down the tunnel, and he is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with City when they travel to the Emirates Stadium for a Premier League title-deciding match.
On Instagram, Zinchenko wrote, “Not the result what we came for but we will bounce back!
“There are no old friends – there are friends with whom there are many good memories and you will always be glad to see each of them.
“There is no past home – there is a place where you were very happy, and now you are happy to return. Thank you Etihad for the warm welcome!
“See you soon at Emirates, I hope you will have fun.”
Zinchenko speaks out: Gunners defender addresses ManCity fans after a heated confrontation with former teammates