"Do you have any viewers?" - Ex-Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic makes cheeky Manchester City claim in pre-season friendly
Legendary striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic aimed a cheeky dig at Manchester City before his AC Milan side took to the pitch against them. The retired striker witnessed as the Rossoneri defeated a largely second-string City side to condemn them to a second successive defeat.
Manchester City versus AC Milan made headlines as both teams launched their new third and away kits, respectively, at the break. They will auction off their match-worn shirts used in the game, with the proceeds of the auction going to charity.
Before the game, AC Milan executive Zlatan Ibrahimovic took center stage with his comments to the Manchester City crew. The former striker asked if the live stream of the game was going to have any viewers on Man City TV, a sly dig at the club's lack of fans.
"Do you have any viewers on this Man City TV or no?" Ibrahimovic said.
Ibrahimovic's comment set the tone for what was an enjoyable encounter between the sides, which the Italian giants won 3-2 at the Yankee Stadium. Pep Guardiola's side were without a number of regulars; the trio of Ederson, Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish were the only senior starters.
Haaland opened the scoring for the Cityzens inside 20 minutes before Nigerian forward Samuel Chukwueze twice set up Lorenzo Colombo to score for the Italian side. Manchester City equalized in the second half through James McAtee before Marco Nasti came off the bench to win it for AC Milan.
The English champions have now lost successive games against Celtic and AC Milan to start their tour of the USA. They will face Barcelona and Chelsea before returning to England for the Community Shield against Manchester United on August 10.
Manchester City star leaves door open to exit from club
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has left the door of a potential exit from the English giants open with his comments after the defeat to AC Milan. Speaking to TNT Brasil journalist Fred Caldeira, the Brazil international said that he remains happy at the Etihad but is open to moving.
“I’m happy here at City. I’m calm with my teammates. I’m enjoying it, too. And I’m getting back into shape, so I have a clear head. Whatever happens is in God’s hands. He knows the right way,” Ederson said.
The Cityzens turned down an offer for the goalkeeper from Al-Nassr this summer and are in talks with Al-Ittihad over a transfer. Guardiola wants him to stay and has said so publicly, but the goalkeeper may yet choose to leave this summer.