Manchester City Football Club

Manchester City Football Club is the heart of the city.Throughout its proud history, our football club has built a deep, lasting kinship with communities in Manchester and in cities further afield. The fans show it in their unwavering passion for the Club; we show it through our dedication to building, for them, the successful and sustainable football club for the future. It is a responsibility that the Club is honoured to shoulder.

Chief Executive Officer Ferran Soriano

Director of Football Txiki Begiristain

First Team Manager Manuel Pellegrini

Assistant Manager Ruben Cousillas Fuse

Assistant Manager Brian Kidd

Head of Academy Mark Allen

Head of Elite Development Squad Patrick Vieira

Managing Director of City Football Services Brian Marwood

Chief Communications Officer Vicky Kloss

Chief Financial Officer Jorge Chumillas

Chief Infrastructure Officer Jon Stemp

Chief Commercial and Operating Officer Tom Glick

Head of Human Resources Gilly King

General Counsel Simon Cliff

Club Ambassador Mike Summerbee

Life President Bernard Halford

Acting Club Secretary Andrew Hardman

Contacts Communications Department

Simon Heggie Head of Media Relations e: simon.heggie@mcfc.co.uk t: +44 1614387738 m: +44 7791857452 Sam Cooke Media Relations Manager e: sam.cooke@mcfc.co.uk t: +44 1614387630 m: +44 7825017809 Paul Mulholland Marketing Communications Manager e: paul.mulholland@mcfc.co.uk t: +44 1614387623 m: +44 7545922104 Contacts for South Africa Simon and Sam Contacts for Hong Kong Simon and Paul Contacts for Munich and Helsinki Simon and Sam

All information correct at time of writing.

Tour Destination Overview

Fixtures: Local Times

Tournament Date City

Training Camp 10 - 21 July Durban Johannesburg / Pretoria

Barclays Asia Trophy 22 - 28 July Hong Kong

Audi Cup 31 July - 1 August Munich

Super Match 9 - 10 August Helsinkiby Carlsberg

Date Opponent Kick off Tournament

Sun 14 July Supersport United 15.00 United Nelson Mandela Football Invitational

Thu 18 July AmaZulu FC 20.00 United Nelson Mandela Football Invitational

Wed 24 July South China 20.30 Barclays Asia Trophy

Sat 27 July Tottenham Hotspur/ 18.00 / 20.30 Barclays Asia Trophy Sunderland TBC

Wed 31 July AC Milan 18.00 /18.30 Audi Cup 2013 TBC

Thu 1 August Sao Paulo/ 18.15 / 20.45 Audi Cup 2013 Bayern Munich TBC

Sat 10 August Arsenal 17.00 Super Match by Carlsberg

City in South Africa

Manuel Pellegrini’s first game in charge of City will be in Pretoria against Supersport United FC on 14 July at 3pm (2pm UK time) at Loftus Versfeld.

Manchester City are set to arrive in Durban on July 11, where they will begin their training ahead of the two matches. The visit to South Africa marks the start of their preparation for the 2013/14 season, and these two encounters come ahead of the team’s tour to Hong Kong.

Ndaba Mandela, Chairman of Africa Rising and grandson of Nelson Mandela, said: “The Nelson Mandela Football Invitational is fitting way to celebrate a larger than life icon. Africa Rising is proud to support what is undoubtedly going to be a magical moment celebrated annually around the world on Nelson Mandela’s birthday, Mandela Day is a tribute to his life’s charitable work and to ensure his legacy continues forever. Every year people around the world are called to dedicate 67 minutes for change on Mandela Day because everyone has the ability to responsibility for changing the world into a better place. Manchester City and Amazulu FC players will also answer this call and will take charitable action to give back to the community during the tour”.

“South Africa showcased itself as a footballing nation in 2010 with a wonderful World Cup. They have first-rate facilities and a passionate footballing fanbase, and this trip will be a fantastic opportunity for us to train and compete in front of our African supporters.” Said Chief Executive Ferran Sorriano.

In the second game in South Africa, City will take on AmaZulu FC on 18 July at 8pm local time (7pm UK time) at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban.

City’s Chief Executive Officer Ferran Soriano said: “We are very excited about visiting South Africa this summer to begin our preparations for the new season. As well as competing in two games we have chosen Durban as our base for our training camp. Supersport and AmaZulu will provide us with an excellent test and it is an exciting time for the club as Manuel Pellegrini takes charge of the team for the first time”.

City in Hong Kong

The only Premier League-affiliated competition to be held outside England, the Barclays Asia Trophy 2013 will feature Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland and South China, the 2012/13 champions of the Hong Kong First Division.

All matches will take place in the 40,000 capacity Hong Kong Stadium and on both dates there will be two matches played.

This is a second appearance in the Barclays Asia Trophy for Manchester City, having previously been in the 2005 tournament. Captain Vincent Kompany is also delighted to return to Hong Kong and says they won’t just be going there as tourists.

The Belgian international said: “With the interest in social media now, whether it is Twitter of Facebook is global, people all over the world are involved in the Barclays Premier League. It’s very important that we can go and represent the colours of Manchester City abroad. It’s sort of an adventure for us: we travel to different places and we meet a lot of different cultures, so it’s an experience in itself. But that is always good for team building and the Barclays Asia Trophy is a very important part in how we prepare for the new season.”

Steven Lo, Chairman, South China FC, added “It has been South China’s pleasure to participate in the Barclays Asia Trophy again after 4 years since 2009; it is especially meaningful to South China fans that we can experience the much expected top Premier League teams Manchester City and Sunderland in Hong Kong.”

Mark Sutcliffe, CEO of the Hong Kong Football Association Limited, added: “The HKFA is proud and honored to be hosting the 2013 Barclays Asia Trophy. When the event was in Hong Kong in 2011 it was hugely popular and a very exciting tournament.

Manchester City Football Club will meet AC Milan in Munich. It will re-acquaint them with former players Nigel de Jong and Mario Balotelli.

On the guest list at the Allianz Arena are UEFA Champions League Champions Bayern Munich, three-time South American champions Sao Paulo, as well as seven-time European champions Milan.

The competition format allows supporters travelling over to Munich to watch all four teams on both days, with day tickets available for the two semi-finals taking place back-to-back on 31 July, as well as on 1 August for the third and fourth place play-off and final.

Kick-off times on both days will be at 18:15pm and 20:30pm (BST).

City last appeared at the Allianz Arena in the 2-0 Champions League defeat to Bayern back in 2011. Manchester City FC’s Chief Commercial and Operating Officer, Tom Glick said: “We are delighted to have been invited to take part in the Audi Cup and to be competing with some of the best teams in the world.

“This tournament forms a significant part of our pre-season preparations and we are very much looking forward to it”.

City in Munich

City in Helsinki

Manchester City FC are delighted to announce the final first-team pre-season fixture ahead of the 2013/14 campaign will be against Arsenal in Helsinki on Saturday, 10 August.

The ‘Super Match by Carlsberg’ will kick-off at 5pm local time at the 40,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in the Finnish capital and will be the final game of the Blues’ pre-season.

It is the first time two Premier League clubs have met in Finland. City played Arsenal as part of the 2012/13 pre-season tour of Asia in the Bird’s Nest Arena, China winning 2– 0.

City’s Chief Executive Officer Ferran Soriano said: “This is the perfect way to end our pre-season preparations before the 2013/14 campaign begins.

“We know Arsenal will provide our team with a very competitive match and we are looking forward to what should be a memorable occasion to close a pre-season tour that also sees us visit South Africa, Hong Kong and Germany.

“Helsinki is a fantastic city and we are excited about playing in front of our many Finnish City supporters in a country where we know there is such passion for English football.”

Club History

1880 to 1902 1880 St Mark’s Church forms a football team which would later evolve into MCFC.

1887 St Mark’s team becomes Ardwick AFC and moves to Hyde Road.

1894 Ardwick AFC reforms as Manchester City Football Club, in a bid to represent the whole city.

1889 City finish champions of Division Two, becoming the first team to gain automatic promotion.

1904 The Blues beat Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup final at Crystal Palace, becoming the first Manchester side to win a major trophy.

1914 to 1918 World War 1 League football is suspended from 1915-1919, though regional tournaments are still in place with City taking part in the Lancashire division.

1920s 1923 After Hyde Road is destroyed by fire, the Club moves to the 85,000 capacity Maine Road.

1928 City promoted as Champions of Division Two – and are the Football League’s best-supported Club.

1930s 1934 After losing the final the pervious year, City beat Portsmouth 2-1 to lift the FA Cup.

1934 A record provincial crowd of 84,569 is recorded at Maine Road when the Blues entertain Stoke City.

1937 Manchester City win the League Championship for the first time.

1939 to 1945 World War 2 A Wartime League is set up with City playing in the Northern division. Substantial damage to Old Trafford means United are forced to play their home games at Maine Road.

1945 to 1950 1947 City are promoted as Champions of Division Two.

1949 The MCFC Official Supporters Club is formed.

1950s 1955 City lose to Newcastle in the 1955 FA Cup Final at Wembley.

1956 The Blues play their second successive FA Cup Final, this time beating Birmingham 3-1 to lift the trophy – their homecoming parade is the first outside transmission by Granada Television.

1958 The Munich Air Disaster devastates Manchester United’s first team squad and also kills several journalists including former City goalkeeper Frank Swift.

European Cup Winners’ Cup: 1970

Football League Champions: 1936-37, 1967-68, 2011-12

Football League Runners-up: 1903-04, 1920-21, 1976-77, 2012-13

Division One Champions: 2001-02

Division One Runners-up: 1999-2000

Division Two Champions (original): 1898-99, 1902-03, 1909-10, 1927-28, 1946-47, 1965-66

Division Two Runners-up (original): 1895-96, 1950-51, 1988-89

Division Two Play Off Winners: 1998-99

FA Cup Winners: 1904, 1934, 1956, 1969, 2011

FA Cup Runners-up: 1926, 1933, 1955, 1981, 2013

League Cup Winners: 1970, 1976

League Cup Runners-up: 1974

FA Charity Shield Winners: 1937-38, 1968-69, 1972-73

FA Community Shield Winners: 2012-13

Full Members Cup Runners-up: 1986

FA Youth Cup Winners: 1986, 2008

Reserve League Champions: 1977-78, 1986-87, 1999-2000

Most goals in a season: 108 in Division Two 1926-27 (42 games) & Division One 2001-02 (46 games)

Most League goals by one player in a season: 38 by Tommy Johnson in Division One 1928-29

Most points (2 for a win): 62 in Division Two 1946-47

Most points (3 for a win): 99 in Division One 2001-02

Most capped player: Colin Bell (England) 48

Facts &Figures

1960s 1965 A new Club badge is developed, based around the central part of the City of Manchester coat of arms.

1966 City are promoted as champions of Division Two, under the management team of Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison.

1968 The Blues defeat Newcastle United on the final day of the season to clinch the League Championship for the second time.

1969 Manchester City beat Leicester City 1-0 at Wembley to win the FA Cup.

1970s 1970 City complete a brilliant European and domestic cup double by winning the European Cup Winners Cup and the League Cup.

1972 The City badge is replaced with the red rose of Lancashire.

1976 The Blues beat Newcastle United 2-1 at Wembley, with goals from Peter Barnes and a spectacular over-head kick from Dennis Tueart.

1979 The Club break the British transfer record, signing Steve Daley for £1,450,277.

1980s 1981 City reach the 100th FA Cup final against Spurs. Following a 1-1 draw City lose the replay 3-2 in what has become regarded as one of the most entertaining Cup finals ever.

1987 A Club record 10-1 demolition of Huddersfield Town is recorded at Maine Road.

1989 City are promoted in dramatic style in the last game of the season at Bradford. The highest-ever Maine Road derby win is recorded with City thumping neighbours United 5-1.

1990s 1992 The FA Premier League is formed.

1994 City say farewell to the much loved Kippax Stand as legislation forces the closure of terracing at Premier League grounds.

1995/96 A dramatic season sees City appoint three different managers: Alan Ball, Steve Coppell and Frank Clark as well as significant spells as caretaker for Asa Hartford and Phil Neal.

1997 City unveil a new Club badge. This new design features the Latin motto “Superbia in Proelio” meaning ‘Pride in Battle’.

1999 One of the most dramatic games ever played at Wembley sees City promoted after a penalty shoot- out against Gillingham in the Division Two Play-Off.

Club History

2000s 2000 City return to the Premiership following back-to-back promotions. A 4-1 victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park to seal promotion is followed by a celebratory pitch invasion by the Blues’ enormous travelling support.

2002 Future manager Stuart Pearce captains City as they are promoted back to the Premiership, breaking Club records for the most goals scored and most points gained in a season along the way.

2003 It’s an emotional farewell to Maine Road as City’s home for 80 years stages its last football match, City vs Southampton, on Sunday 11th May. The Club make the move to the impressive, 48,000 capacity, City of Manchester Stadium.

2007 Sven-Goran Eriksson replaces Stuart Pearce as manager, and on 15th December City establish a ‘top flight’ Club-record of nine straight home League wins at the start of the season.

2008 The Abu Dhabi United Group become the new owners of Manchester City. Former Wales, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United star Mark Hughes becomes the new City Manager. The club break the British transfer record for the second time with the £32.5m signing of Robinho from Real Madrid.

2009 Roberto Mancini, former manager of Inter Milan replaces Mark Hughes in December.

2010 The Blues enjoy their best ever Premier League campaign, finishing 5th and qualifying for the Europa League in the process, as well as reaching the League Cup semi finals.

2011 The long wait for a trophy ends when the Blues beat Stoke 1-0 to lift the FA Cup, and they qualify for the 2011/12 Champions League for the first time too!

2012 City win the League Championship for the first time in 44 years following a thrilling Premier League campaign. A last-gasp Sergio Aguero goal against QPR secures the title in the most dramatic of fashions at a jubilant Etihad Stadium.

2013 New York City FC is announced – the partnership between Manchester City FC and the New York Yankees.

Manuel Pellegrini, former manager of Malaga joins MCFC in June.

The making of Champions

In September 2008, Sheikh Mansour bought Manchester City FC and outlined his vision of creating a sustainable and successful football club with the fans at its heart.

City completed the signing of Robinho on the same day the takeover was announced which pointed sincere ambition to transform the fortunes of this English institution.

Carlos Tevez, Vincent Kompany and Nigel de Jong soon followed as the club set about propelling itself back into the upper reaches of the Premier League and challenging for silverware once more.

Former Inter coach Roberto Mancini was appointed manager in December 2009 and added David Silva and Yaya Toure to his squad in the summer of 2010.

What followed were seasons that City fans of a certain age could never have dreamed of.

Landmarks came thick and fast, with City qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 2010/11 and ending the 35 year trophy drought with an FA Cup win in the same year after the 1-0 Wembley win over Stoke City.

93:20

But of course no history of Manchester City FC is complete without the remarkable events on the final day of the Premier League season on 13 May 2012.

After running down an eight point gap on rivals Manchester United with just six games remaining, City knew that victory over QPR at the Etihad Stadium would guarantee a first Premier League title in 44 years.

It was all going so well when Pablo Zabaleta gave the Blues the lead on the stroke of half-time but two second-half goals from the visitors turned the match on its head and a stadium which was having a party soon became a home to nerves, panic and desperation.

What followed were 24 agonising minutes when QPR defended for their lives with 10 men packed inside their penalty area, blocking every City shot and, as the game entered its 90th minute, commentators and pundits were already concocting their own epitaphs for City’s title race.

Cityitis, Typical City, this could only happen to City, they said, until…

Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko headed the Blues level in the first minute of injury time, a goal that gave City a glimmer of hope but surely it was still too late?

Not so, as Sergio Aguero impossibly stayed on his feet to ride a couple of sliding tackles and with one definitive lash of that exquisite right foot, ended 44 years of hurt for hundreds of thousands of City fans around the globe.

The future…

Off the pitch, in 2011, plans for the City Football Academy – a world leading first team and youth training facility proposed on an 80 acre site adjacent to the Etihad Stadium – were overwhelmingly supported by the local community and City council.

Plans for the facility, the result of two years of painstaking research starting at the onset of Sheikh Mansour’s ownership, were implemented in 2012 as construction on the site began.

The project is not only the cornerstone for the sustainable footballing future of Manchester City, but will also regenerate both the environment and the economy of a once overlooked area of the city.

Work began on the project in September 2012 with the site set to open in time for the 2014/15 season.

The City Football Academy will include the following:

• A new Academy for up to 400 young players with classrooms for 200

• On site accommodation for junior and senior players

• 16.5 football pitches, 12 of them dedicated to players aged from 8 to 21

• A state of the art first team building with changing rooms, gym, refectory and injury and rehab centre

• A 7000 capacity stadium for youth matches

• Staff offices and a dedicated media centre

• A bridge linking the site to the Etihad Stadium and the rest of the Etihad Campus

The making of Champions

New YorkCity FC

New York City FC (NYCFC) was announced as the Major League Soccer’s twentieth franchise on 21 May 2013 and expects to begin play in 2015.

“We proudly welcome two of the most prestigious professional global sports organizations to Major League Soccer,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

“New York is a legendary sports town, as well as a thriving global city with a rapidly expanding soccer fan-base,” said Ferran Soriano, CEO of Manchester City Football Club, who will oversee the process of filling top New York City FC leadership positions.

“We are thrilled to contribute to the energy and growth of New York City soccer.” In the Yankees, we have found the absolute best partner for developing a world-class sports organization and a winning team that will carry the New York City Football Club name with pride.” he continues.

The New York Yankees and Manchester City Football Club have an existing commercial relationship through Legends Hospitality, LLC, an international entertainment, hospitality and marketing organization.

“We look forward to the opportunity to work with Manchester City to create something very special for the soccer fans of New York - and to bring another terrific team to this city for all sports fans to enjoy,” said Hal Steinbrenner, managing general partner of the New York Yankees”

With millions of residents watching soccer every week and nearly two million people actively playing the game, the New York/New Jersey area is one of North America’s most vibrant and proud soccer communities.

The region has filled stadiums for countless marquee soccer events including the 1994 FIFA Men’s World Cup, the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, three MLS All-Star Games and numerous international exhibition matches.

NYCFC becomes the first MLS club whose home will be located within the five boroughs, joining the Red Bulls as the second MLS club in the metropolitan area.

“Soccer is one of the world’s most exciting and popular sports, and it should be played on the world’s biggest stage - in New York City,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.

“Manchester City has a great reputation for both winning teams and serious community investment, and that will help them fit in well with the excellent leadership of New York City’s other professional sports teams” he continued.

New York City FC is committed to seeking a new permanent stadium in New York. Until that time, the new team is arranging to play in an interim home beginning in its inaugural MLS season in 2015.

TheManagement

He also represented his country as a player on 28 occasions before retiring to concentrate on coaching, soon gaining the nickname “the Engineer” to reflect his academic interests and progressive footballing outlook.

Pellegrini’s early coaching career is characterised by short tenures across South America, taking his first job at Universidad Chile at the age of 33. Modest success followed in subsequent year-long spells at Palestino and O’Higgins in the early nineties but Manuel would first gain true notoriety across the continent for his two year reign at six-time Chilean champions, Universidad Catolica.

Charged with developing two of his nation’s most promising youngsters in Alberto Acosta and Nestor Gorosito, Pellegrini led the team to consecutive second place finishes in the Primera Division, as well and claimed his first piece of silverware, the Copa Interamericana in 1994.

He followed this success with a Copa Chile title the following year.

As well as winning this first league title, LDU Quito’s excellent performances in the continent’s premier club competition, the Copa Libertadores convinced Pablo Zabaleta’s San Lorenzo to bring the manager to San Lorenzo in 2001. Pablo was still in the youth team when Pellegrini led Los Cuervos to the 2001 Clausura title and the Copa Mercosur (South America’s UEFA Cup equivalent) in his only year in charge.

Manuel Pellegrini

Manager

Date of birth: 16 September 1953

Place of birth: Santiago, Chile

Born in Santiago to Italian parents, Manuel Luis Pellegrini Ripamonti is something of a rarity in the footballing fraternity having achieved a university degree in Civil Engineering at the Pontifical Catholic University in Santiago.He achieved this qualification while still on the books of Universidad Chile, the only team the cultured centre-back ever played for in his 13-year playing career. Manuel made 451 appearances between 1973 and 1986 for his hometown club.

Pellegrini joined a small and exclusive list of South American coaches to be given jobs in European football when he took the managerial reigns at Villarreal in 2004. What Manuel achieved in a five-year spell at the Castellon club has become the stuff of Spanish footballing legend, building this small club up into a Champions League force – a remarkable achievement for a city with a population of just 51,000.

Under the Chilean, ‘the Yellow Submarine’ became the first Champions League debutants to reach the semi-finals of the competition and went on to consistently disrupt the El Clasico duopoly on one of La Liga’s tightest budgets.

Real Madrid was the next project for Pellegrini in June 2009 and although he only lasted one season at the Santiago Bernabeu, he still broke the point’s record for the club in a single season with 96, only missing out on the title to Barcelona by three points.

Pellegrini left the post with the highest win percentage of any coach to ever manage a full season at the nine-time European champions. Because of this incredible record, there was no shortage of suitors in for Pellegrini’s services and he opted to stay in La Liga with Malaga.

His impact was again immediate as he guide Los Boquerones to a fourth place finish in his first season in charge before masterminding their run to last season’s Champions League quarter-finals.

Now seen as one of the world’s most respected managers, the Chilean has become synonymous with an attractive, technical brand of football which has won admirers from across world football in his richly diverse and successful 26-year coaching career.

Manuel Pellegrini

Ruben Cousillas Fuse

Assistant Manager

Date of birth: 9 May 1957

Place of birth: Roque Perez, Argentina

Ruben Cousillas Fuse was appointed Assistant Manager on 24 June 2013.Former San Lorenzo (1982-83), Millenaries (1987), Mandau (1988-89), Velez (1989-90), Argentines (1990-91), Huachipato (1991) goalkeeper Ruben Cousillas Fuse has joined Manuel Pellegrini at City after previously assisting on several occasions.

He moved into coaching after retiring as a player and has worked for Talleres de Córdoba and Argentinos Juniors, moving to assistant coach at River Plate Chile before joining Pellegrini as Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga.

He brings with him a wealth of coaching experience and is Pellegrini’s trusted right-hand man.

Xabier Mancisidor

Goalkeper Coach

Date of birth: 24 May 1970

Place of birth: Pasaia, Spain

Xabier Mancisidor joined City in June 2013.As a player, he represented Real Mallorca between 1995 and 1998 and began his career as a goalkeeping coach at Real Sociedad and remained with the San Sebastian club for 11 year.

He joined Real Madrid in 2009 alongside new coach Manuel Pellegrini and worked with Spain No.1 Iker Casillas and remained there until January 2011 before moving to Malaga to rejoin Pellegrini’s coaching staff.

He will now work with Joe Hart, Costel Pantilimon and Richard Wright as first-team goalkeeper coach at City.

Brian Kidd

Assistant Manager

Date of birth: 29 May 1949

Place of birth: Manchester, England

Brian Kidd is one of a select band of former players who are admired throughout Manchester’s footballing circles. He joined Manchester City as assistant manager in December 2009.Having won the European Cup as a player with Manchester United, Brian later moved to Maine Road and racked up 128 appearances, including over 50 goals with the Blues between 1976 and 1979.

A career that also took in stints at Everton, Arsenal and Bolton ended in the United States before he turned his attention to coaching, where his techniques have won many admirers and brought success at many levels.

Brian spent a decade at Old Trafford as youth team boss and assistant manager before moving to Leeds, Sheffield United and, in 2008-09, Portsmouth, where alongside Paul Hart he managed to keep the south coast side in the Premier League.

Kidd, who was born in Collyhurst and always maintained his family home in the Manchester area, was also England coach under former City chief Sven-Goran Eriksson.

After working as part of Roberto Mancini’s coaching staff, Brian remains assistant manager under the new stewardship of Manuel Pellegrini.

Squad List

Squad list correct at time of going to press.

1 Joe HART (GK)2 Micah RICHARDS3 Maicon SISENANDO (MAICON)4 Vincent KOMPANY5 Pablo ZABALETA 6 Joleon LESCOTT 7 James MILNER8 Samir NASRI 9 10 Edin DŽEKO 11 Scott SINCLAIR12 13 Aleksandar KOLAROV14 Javi GARCIA (JAVI GARCIA)15 Jesus NAVAS16 Sergio AGUERO (KUN AGÜERO)17 Jack RODWELL18 Gareth BARRY 19 20 21 David SILVA22 Gael CLICHY 23 RETIRED24 25 FERNANDINHO26 27 28 29 Richard WRIGHT (GK) 30 Costel PANTILIMON (GK)31 32 33 Matija NASTASIC

34 35 36 Denis SUAREZ37 38 Dedryck BOYATA39 40 4142 Yaya TOURE (TOURE YAYA)43 Alex TCHUIMENI-NIMELY44 Karim REKIK 45 46 47 Harry BUNN48 Ryan MCGIVERN 49 Luca SCAPUZZI 50 Abdisalam IBRAHIM 51 Adam DRURY 52 Emyr HUWS53 Alex HENSHALL54 Kieran KENNEDY55 Albert RUSNAK56 Courtney MEPPEN-WALTERS57 Reece WABARA58 59 Omar ELABDELLAOUI 60 John GUIDETTI61 Jeremy HELAN62 Abdul RAZAK63 Eirik JOHANSEN (GK) 64 Marcos LOPES 70 George EVANS

ThePlayers

Goalkeepers

Date of birth: 19 April 1987

Place of birth: Shrewsbury, England

Joe Hart

Joe was signed by Stuart Pearce in May 2006 from the player’s home town club Shrewsbury Town.His professional career with the Shrews began in the 2003/04 season, when he played a handful of games, before becoming first choice keeper in the 2005/06 campaign.

He was England under 19 ’keeper when he joined the Blues and made his first team debut on October 14, 2006, against Sheffield United and he kept a clean sheet in a goalless draw.

He won his first England cap in June 2008 against Trinidad and Tobago but having started that season as number one was replaced by Shay Given in January.

A season-long loan to promoted Birmingham City for the 2009/10 campaign followed. A resounding success at St Andrews, he was named in the PFA Team of the Year and included in Fabio Capello’s England squad for the World Cup. He did not play during that ill-fated campaign, but he impressed Roberto Mancini enough in pre-season to get the nod as City’s first-choice goalkeeper for the start of 2010/11.

It was the 2011/2012 season where Joe really established himself as not only one of the best shot-stoppers in England, but also the world. He was again selected in the PFA Team of the Year, after picking up 17 clean sheets in total – higher than any other goalkeeper.

An ever-present for the Blues, Hart’s commanding form was pivotal in helping City to win the title and his presence seemed to grow each game. He is now regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in the world.

Hart has also added a first major international tournament to his name after representing his country at Euro 2012 where he again proved his worth with a number of important stops.

A third successive Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets underlines another impressive season for Joe in 2012/13, and aged just 26, there is much more to come from this talented keeper.

Date of birth: 1 February 1987

Place of birth: Bacau, Romania

Costel Pantilimon

Though he made his debut for Timisoara in March 2007, Pantilimon arrived as the Club’s second choice keeper, and it wasn’t until a change of ownership in May 2008 that Pantilimon was installed as Timisoara’s first choice.

Having appeared in the 2009/10 Champions League qualifying rounds and played against City during a Europa League meeting between the two sides, Pantilimon has experience of European football and is also a regular fixture in the Romanian national side.

Voted Romanian Goalkeeper of the Year in 2010, he reportedly attracted the interest of Arsenal, Inter Milan and Manchester United before joining the Blues on loan.

Costel made just four appearances for City during the 2011/12 season, all in the Carling and FA Cup but he showed his ability in each, particularly the 1-0 win at Arsenal where he made one stunning save with the score at 0-0.

The stopper has enjoyed an extended run in the FA Cup during this year’s campaign.

Costel Pantilimon arrived on loan at City in August 2011, before making the move permanent in the following January.After rising through the ranks at his local Club Aerostar Bacau, the Romanian was offered the chance to join FC Timisoara on his 19th birthday in 2005.

Defenders

Date of birth: 26 July 1985

Place of birth: Toulouse, France

Gael Clichy

Gael left The Emirates to join the club on 4 July 2011, following in the footsteps of four former Gunners on the playing staff in Kolo Toure, Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Adebayor and Stuart Taylor. The Frenchman had played only 15 senior games for Cannes before he was spotted by Arsène Wenger’s scouting network in 2003 and signed for the Gunners, making his debut on the same night as Cesc Fabregas in a League Cup tie with Rotherham.

He understudied England’s Ashley Cole for a couple of seasons, and became the youngest player to win a Premier League medal in 2004 at 18 years and 10 months.

After Cole left for Chelsea in 2006 he emerged as one of the mainstays of Wenger’s side despite being hampered with injuries.

His pace and speed of thought, allied to an ability to get up and down the pitch in the stamina-sapping environs of the Premier League, made him one of Arsenal’s most consistent defenders, while his willingness to join the attack brought a rare goal against Stoke in November 2008. His second and only other Arsenal strike was against Leyton Orient in March 2011.

In total, Gael made 37 appearances in his first campaign at the club slotting in successfully into City’s defence. His pace down the left flank provided the team a vital outlet and he made an excellent contribution to the Blues, contesting the left-back berth with Aleks Kolarov.

Clichy ended the campaign with four assists, with his slide rule pass for Sergio Aguero’s goal in the important away victory at Wolves one of the passes of the season. His performances earned him a slot in the French squad for Euro 2012 and he also managed score a rare goal at club level with a deflected effort against Bolton.

An integral part of the defence for the last two seasons, Gael has made the left-back slot his own and was virtually ever-present during City’s title defence this term.

Date of birth: 10 November 1985

Place of birth: Belgrade, Serbia

Aleksandar Kolarov

In September 2007, after only one season at OFK Beograd, Kolarov was sold to Serie A giants Lazio where he made an instant impression, scoring a 40-yard thunderbolt on his full debut against Reggina.

During his career at Stadio Olimpico, he became renowned for his long-range specials. He is versatile, too, and can slot into midfield if necessary, where his physical strength and technique make him a useful option.

Kolarov was capped twice during Serbia’s 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, including an appearance in the 1-0 victory over Germany, bringing his total of international appearances to 15 by the end of the tournament.

Voted Serbian Player of the Year in 2011, Kolarov has scored 11 goals in a three-year career with the Blues to date, including the equaliser in City’s first Champions League game of 2011/12.

Aleksandar Kolarov, nicknamed the ‘Serbian Roberto Carlos’, joined City from Lazio in July 2010. Despite playing at left-back, the 24 year-old Serb has reputation for spectacular goals and had been linked with a move to Real Madrid before opting for Blues.

Born in November 1985 in Belgrade, Kolarov began his career in 2004 at FK Cukaricki Stankom before moving to OFK Beograd in 2006, both in his homeland, Serbia.

Date of birth: 10 April 1986

Place of birth: Uccle, Belgium

Vincent Kompany

Multilingual and multi-talented, Vincent was runner-up in the Blues fans’ Player of the Season poll for 2008/09 then really came into his own in 2009/10, switching from midfield to his international position of centre-half with aplomb.Equally at home as a central defender or defensive midfielder, the Belgian international regular joined City from Bundesliga side Hamburg SV in August 2008 for a fee of around £6million.

He was Mark Hughes’ third signing and made a hugely impressive debut in August’s 3-0 victory over West Ham United.

His comfort in two positions proved to be a bonus for City as injuries and suspensions bit into the squad over a gruelling 2008/09 season. Playing with a toe injury for some of the time he was one of only five Blues players to start more than 30 Premier League games.

Vincent flourished even further under Roberto Mancini being named as MCFC Player of the Year for 2010/11 and becoming club captain the following season.

An accomplished and intelligent Tweeter, he broke new ground in February 2012 when taking part in a live webchat on the City website, fielding questions from fans via social media.

He proved as much by becoming the first City skipper to lift the League title in his first full year and his consistently high level of performances during the 2011/12 campaign earned him various accolades such as a place in the PFA Team of the Year and also the prestigious Barclays Player of the Season.

An inspirational leader, it was his powerful header against Manchester United that helped the Blues finally go ahead of the Reds in the table and eventually win the Premier League.

The captain’s partnership with Matija Nastasic in the heart of the back four has helped City achieve the best defensive record in the Premier League of the 2012/13 campaign.

Date of birth: 16 August 1982

Place of birth: Birmingham, England

Joleon Lescott

Signed on a five-year contract on 25 August 2009 by long-time admirer Mark Hughes, who had earmarked the Everton and England defender as a key element in his new-look team. Born and raised in Birmingham but scouted by Wolverhampton, Lescott made his senior debut at 17 against Sheffield Wednesday at Molineux in August 2000. Fans voted him young player of the year, an accolade that was repeated the following season.

He helped Wolves reach the Premier League by beating Sheffield United 3-0 in the 2004 play-off final at Cardiff but had to sit out the next season after major knee surgery and the team were relegated.

He returned to fitness to claim the player of the year award and was transferred to Everton, making his Goodison debut in August 2006. Regular accolades followed, particularly in 2007/08 when he weighed in with ten goals in all competitions.

Lescott won caps at Under-18, Under-20, Under-21 and England B levels before being called up for the senior squad by Steve McClaren in September 2007. He made his debut as a substitute in a 3-0 win over Estonia a month later.

He was a strong contender for England’s World Cup squad but his 2009/10 campaign was disrupted by injury, and when he missed the last nine games of the season Fabio Capello omitted him from the 30-strong provisional squad.

However his performances over the preceding two years ensured that the current England manager Roy Hodgson didn’t make the same mistake as Capello, and Lescott was selected in the squad for Euro 2012 and scored his first international goal against France in a 1-1 draw. He played in all four of England’s games during the tournament.

Lescott has gone on to establish a formidable partnership alongside Vincent Kompany at the heart of City’s defence and by the end of the 2011/12 campaign he had become a vital member of the squad, playing 42 times.

He helped City to record an impressive 17 clean sheets last season and he has proven himself to be capable of coming up with the odd important goal such as in the 1-0 gritty victory against his boyhood club Aston Villa in February 2012 and also scored against Arsenal in September.

All in all, an excellent defender and a player who has become a firm favourite with the City fans.

Date of birth: 26 July 1981

Place of birth: Novo Hamburgo, Brazil

Maicon

Maicon has earned a reputation as one of the game’s most formidable right backs, but has a strong attacking dimension to his game and is comfortable playing further forward.

He spent six seasons at Inter making 235 appearances and scoring 20 goals while amassing an impressive haul of winners’ medals. The Brazilian won four Serie A titles, two Italian Cups and the Champions League during his time at the San Siro.

In 2010 he was awarded the UEFA Defender of the Year Award for his performances during the club’s treble-winning season.

Maicon began his professional career at Cruziero in his native Brazil before moving to French side AS Monaco in 2004.

First called up to the Brazilian national team in 2003, he scored one of the best goals at the 2010 World Cup in Brazil’s game against North Korea.

An injury-hit campaign has prevented the defender from playing as many games as he would like under Roberto Mancini, but his quality has been evident in the 12 appearances he has made for the Blues and fans will be hoping to see much more of Maicon next season.

Disciplined defender Maicon joined the Blues from Inter Milan in August 2012 for an undisclosed fee. The Brazil international was signed by Roberto Mancini in the summer transfer window as the Italian looked to strengthen his squad and defend the Premier League title.

Serbian centre-back Nastasic was a revelation for Fiorentina in Serie A last season, emerging as one of the brightest defensive prospects in the Italian top flight and he joined City on 31 August in a deal that saw Stefan Savic go the other way.

Date of birth: 28 March 1993

Place of birth: Valijevo, Serbia

Matija Nastasic

He has enjoyed a meteoric rise since being handed his debut at Fiorentina by Roberto Mancini’s former assistant, Sinisa Mihajlovic.

Nastasic’s name was made in the Viola’s 0-0 draw against AC Milan where the defender belied his years with a mature performance marking Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

He could also become a threat from set-pieces for the Blues, thanks to his 6ft 2 frame but he showcased his composure on the ball for his first Serie A goal with a well-taken finish on the volley against Cesena.

The young Serbian joined the Florence outfit in 2011 from Partizan Belgrade for a reported €3m and has represented Serbia twice, linking up again with Mihajlovic who handed him his international debut against Cyprus earlier this year.

Forming a solid partnership with Vincent Kompany, an outstanding debut season for the Blues has won Matija plaudits across the UK, and he was a surprise omission in the list of Young Player of the Year nominees.

Micah Richards

Date of birth: 24 June 1988

Place of birth: Birmingham, England

Micah Richards joined City from Oldham Athletic as a 14-year-old and has since progressed through the Club’s successful Academy.Made his first-team debut as a substitute in the 1-0 defeat at Highbury in October 2005, and he came close to scoring after being pushed forward as City sought an equaliser.

Called into the starting XI for the 3-2 win over Charlton as a right-back and made a great impression in an unfamiliar position. Followed that up by scoring in stoppage time in the very next match, a 5th round cup tie at Villa Park. Other fine performances followed as Micah remained in the City senior side until the end of the season.

Micah took the City No.2 shirt during the close season and made his England Under-21 debut against Moldova in August 2006, but even better was to come when he made his full England bow in a 1-1 draw with Holland in Amsterdam, winning rave reviews in the process.

Micah ran Stephen Gerrard close as the FA’s England Player of the Year, as voted for by the fans, and in February 2008 he inked in a new five-and-a-half year contract with City.

Micah’s versatility was much in evidence as 2008/09 progressed; he played in both full-back positions and in central defence as injuries and suspensions hit the squad hard. After a long wait he added to his goal tally for City with the winner against Sunderland in March, his first for the Blues since the Everton strike in September 2006.

Micah started half of City’s Premier League games in 2009/10, scoring twice into the bargain. He made a total of 31 appearances in the 2010/11 campaign and then a further 37 in City’s title winning season.

He made his 200th City appearance against Wolves in October 2011 then earned an England recall for the friendly with Holland in February 2012 under interim manager Stuart Pearce, and was been asked to represent Great Britain in London 2012.

A long-term injury lay-off disrupted Micah’s 2012/13 campaign, but he returned to action before the end of theseason to captain the side against West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.

Pablo Zabaleta

Date of birth: 16 January 1985

Place of birth: Buenos Aires, Argentina

An Olympic gold medal winner, Zabaleta has proved adept at both right back and in central midfield, and Roberto Mancini made full use of his experience and ability so that, despite opening 2009-10 on the bench, he eventually started 23 League games. He had been part of the Argentina international youth set up from the age of 14 before standing on the podium at the Beijing Games.

After captaining his country to victory in the 2005 Under 20 World Cup, Pablo crossed the Atlantic and joined Espanyol, helping the La Liga outfit to reach the 2007 UEFA Cup final, where they lost out on penalties to Sevilla.

Mark Hughes brought him to Manchester in August 2008 and he made his debut for the Blues in the home defeat to Chelsea on September 13. He proved versatile and durable, winning admirers amongst City fans who voted him into third place in their Player of the Season poll. He notched his first goal for the club in the 1-0 win over Wigan in January 2009 and his second came 22 months later against Fulham, helping to condemn his former City boss to defeat with a spectacular long-range strike.

In all he made 39 starts in his first season in English football, and in the following campaign his versatility saw him cement his place as an invaluable member of the squad. He made his 100th appearance against Blackpool on January 1, 2011.

Surprisingly, Argentina coach Diego Maradona did not elect to take him to the 2010 World Cup, but Pablo’s wholehearted displays and committed tackling have seen him become a firm favourite with City’s fans and he has since become a regular right-back for his country.

He penned a new three-year deal in November 2011 and he has since gone on to establish himself as a key first team member.

Versatile, dependable and willing to put his body on the line for the Club, Zabaleta scored one of the most important goals of his career when he put City 1-0 up in the title deciding victory against QPR in May.

His ability and attitude have been crucial for the Blues this term, a fact that was recognised by his fellow pros when he was named in the PFA Team of the Year in April.

Midfielders

Date of birth: 23 February 1981

Place of birth: Hastings, England

Gareth Barry

City beat off the attentions of Liverpool to land the left-footed England star that ended a dozen years in the Midlands when he signed a five-year contract.

Gareth’s first club was close to his Hastings home at Brighton and Hove Albion though he didn’t play a senior game for them before moving to Villa Park. He made his debut in May 1998 as a central defender. He also featured at left back before moving into midfield.

A fantastic servant for the Midlands club he clocked up his 400th appearance in the 2008/09 season and by the time he left had reached 440 to be seventh on the all-time list.

During his time at Villa he has also become a regular England international having featured under every manager from Kevin Keegan onwards.

A crucial component of Roberto Mancini’s midfield, Gareth clocked up 34 league appearances as the Blues clinched their first Premier League title in 2012, and this year has proved a significant member of the squad.

City’s first signing of the summer of 2009, Gareth cost £12million from Aston Villa and proved a consistent and ultra-reliable performer in midfield, barely missing a game but picking up a rare injury in the penultimate match to put his World Cup in jeopardy.

Date of birth: 4 May 1985

Place of birth: Londrina, Brazil

Fernandinho

Fernandinho officially joined Manchester City on 6 June 2013. Brazil international, Fernando Luiz Rosa arrived into Manchester with extensive experience of the Champions League, having appeared for Shakhtar Donetsk in the tournament for the past eight seasons.A box-to-box midfielder blessed with an explosive turn of pace, marathon lung power and the ability to break up opposition moves, Fernandinho’s stock has been steadily rising during his eight years with the eight-time Ukrainian champions.

Although he would be primarily described as a defensive midfielder, the 5ft 9 twinkle-toed midfield also possesses a rocket of a shot which has helped him towards his 68 career goals.

Fernandinho came up through the youth ranks at Atletico Paranaense in his Brazilian homeland, making his debut in 2002 as a 17-year old alongside future Shakhtar teammate Jadson.

In 2003, he went on to feature in Brazil’s FIFA World Youth Championship title-winning side in UAE, scoring the winning goal in the final against a Spain side which included Andres Iniesta.

His break-out season was the 2007/08 campaign where he announced himself to the European stage with a series of fine performances in Shakhtar’s run to the Ukrainian Cup, scoring 11 goals and winning the Ukrainian league’s Golden Football award for best player.

It was about to get even better for the Londrina-born midfielder in the next campaign when he was an integral member of the team to clinch the UEFA Cup, scoring four goals in nine appearances, including the winner against Spurs in the Round of 16. Fernandinho played all 120 minutes in the final against Werder Bremen with his close friend Jadson netting the winner after 97 minutes.

A Brazil debut wasn’t too far away, finally coming in the 3-2 friendly defeat to Germany in Stuttgart.

The 28-year old comes to Manchester looking to add to his collection of medals, which so far includes six Ukrainian titles (2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), four Ukrainian Cups (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013), three Ukrainian Super Cups (2008, 2010, 2012) and that one UEFA Cup (2009).

Date of birth: 8 February 1987

Place of birth: Mula, Spain

Javi Garcia

Javi Garcia signed for Manchester City on 31 August 2012. Garcia brings extensive experience of the Champions League with him to Manchester, having made his competition debut for Real Madrid back in 2005.A defensive midfielder by trade, the 25-year old made his debut for the Spanish national team in a friendly against Serbia the same year. He won the European U19 Championships with his country, playing alongside Juan Mata and Gerard Pique as they defeated Scotland in the final in Poland.

Garcia began his career at Real Madrid, representing their B team 86 times before graduating to the first team. Four appearances followed before the deep lying playmaker joined Osasuna for £3m in 2007 and it was at the El Sadar Stadium that Javi’s reputation soared thanks to his impressive performances as the club avoided relegation from La Liga.

This good form saw Real Madrid exercise their buy-back clause, bringing the midfielder back to the Santiago Bernabeu for the 2008/09 season where he made 15 appearances as Los Merengues finished second to Barcelona.

Benfica soon swooped and brought in Garcia and he became an instant hit in Lisbon, making 30 appearances in his first season and scoring three goals. His first silverware arrived in 2010 as the Eagles lifted the Portuguese title for the first time and he played an instrumental role, supplying goals and assists as they also clinched the League Cup.

He added another couple of Portuguese League Cups in 2011 and 2012 to cement himself as a firm fan’s favourite with the European giants.

The Spanish midfield man had an instant impact for the Blues when he scored his debut against Stoke City, and he went on to grab his second goal of the season against Newcastle in December.

Date of birth: 27 November 1985

Place of birth: Los Palacios, Spain

Date of birth: 4 January 1986

Place of birth: Leeds, England

Jesus Navas

James Milner

Spanish winger Jesus Navas completed his move to City from Sevilla in June 2013, after thrilling crowds for ten years at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium. Electric pace, a keen desire to take on defenders and a bagful of tricks make him an exciting prospect for the 2013/14 season.His agility and an accurate final ball are also set to have the Premier League’s left backs eyeing him nervously.

Versatile England midfielder James Milner was signed by City in August 2010 and offers a wealth of experience in the Premier League.The 2010 PFA Young Player of the Year was born in Leeds in 1986. James excelled at school and in 1996 was signed up by Leeds United’s youth academy, making his full debut in November 2002 at the age of 16. Just a month later Milner became the youngest player to score in the Premier League, scoring in Leeds’ 2-1 win against Sunderland.

The 27-year-old can boast an extensive medal collection, winning two UEFA Cups, a UEFA Super Cup, two Copa del Rey titles and the Spanish Super Cup during his time at Sevilla. City’s strikers will certainly relish the chance to line up alongside Navas – the diminutive winger created 76 chances for his teammates in the 12/13 league campaign, which was the fifth highest total in La Liga.

He also boasts World Cup and European Championship medals with Spain, alongside City teammate David Silva.

After joining Sevilla’s youth system at the age of 15, he was handed his senior debut just two years later – coming off the bench against Espanyol in November 2003. A sprinkling of first team appearances followed that season, alongside a regular place for Sevilla B in Spain’s third tier.

Boss Joaquin Caparros had seen enough and the youngster earned a promotion to the first team the following season, and has since chalked up 393 appearances for his home town club and grabbed 34 goals.

Clubs across Europe were finally alerted to his many talents during the UEFA Cup campaign of 2006, when the winger played in all 12 of Sevilla’s matches on the road to lifting the trophy.

Navas will also bring his Champions League experience to the Etihad Stadium, enjoying a season in the competition in 2009, when he scored twice and recorded three assists in just eight appearances.

Part of a Spanish national team which has won plaudits throughout the footballing landscape, Navas has played 23 times for his country including an appearance from the bench in the 2010 World Cup final.

The midfielder had a month-long loan to Swindon Town before being signed by Newcastle United in July 2004. At St. James Park he played under four managers, the late Sir Bobby Robson, Graeme Souness, Glenn Roeder and Sam Allardyce. This meant instability for Milner, who was loaned to Aston Villa for the 2005/06 season. He made 27 appearances for the Villans before heading back to the North East.

A midfielder who can play on either flank or in the middle, Milner gained UEFA Cup experience at Newcastle and became a first-team regular before signing for Aston Villa in a permanent deal in August 2008. He scored 10 goals during his second spell at Villa Park but became recognised for his assists.

A successful three years at City to date have seen James perform an important role for Roberto Mancini’s side – and he went on to become an influential part of Roy Hodgson’s England side in Euro 2012.

Date of birth: 26 June 1987

Place of birth: Marseille, France

Samir Nasri

Samir Nasri became a City player when his transfer from Arsenal was completed on 24 August 2011. Born and brought up in Marseille, Samir joined his hometown team at the age of nine and rose through their youth system before making his senior debut aged 17.

His relatively tender years were no barrier to Samir and he quickly established himself in the Marseille first team, playing in a central role behind two strikers.

He was named as Ligue 1’s Young Player of the Year for 2006/07, and he made his senior international debut against Austria in March 2007 after playing for France at a succession of youth levels.

His rapid progress made it inevitable that major clubs around Europe would look in Samir’s direction, and he joined Arsenal in the summer of 2008 after appearing for France at that year’s European Championships.

Adapting to the rigours of English football proved to be no problem, and Samir made a fine start to his career at the Emirates Stadium when he scored on his Barclays Premier League debut, against West Brom in Arsenal’s opening match of the 2008/09 season.

His first year in England saw him make 44 appearances, with seven goals, but a broken leg sustained in pre-season forced him to the sidelines for the start of the following campaign.

He nevertheless bounced back from this blow to make over 30 appearances once fully fit, including a further five goals.

The upward curve of his career continued into 2010/11, where he bagged 15 goals in all competitions and underlined his status as one of Arsenal’s major creative threats.

Equally capable either out wide or in the middle, Samir was named as the French Player of the Year for 2010.

His first year with City saw him play 46 times in all competitions and score six goals. He also featured in all of France’s Euro 2012 matches, scoring against England in the opening group game.

Samir has extended his excellent form this season, scoring against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley to help City to the final.

Date of birth: 11 March 1991

Place of birth: Birkdale, England

Jack Rodwell

Jack Rodwell became City’s first signing of the summer transfer window in 2012, coming in for an undisclosed amount on the same day as the Blues’ 3-2 Community Shield win over Chelsea.A versatile player, equally adept at playing as an attacking or defensive midfielder, the 21-year old has been touted as one of the brightest prospects in English football since first breaking through to the Everton first team at the age of 16.

Jack broke the record for the youngest player to ever represent the Toffees in Europe, coming off the bench against AZ in 2007 at the age of 16 and 284 days.

One of his most memorable moments in an Everton shirt was in February 2010 when he scored for the Merseysiders against Manchester United in a 3-1 win.

He has played all the way through the England age-groups and captained the England under-16 team to Victory Shield glory in 2006. He then graduated to captain the under-18 side before progressing to the under-21s, starring in the centre of midfield at the European Under-21 Championships in 2009 and 2010. It wasn’t too long before a senior call-up arrived in 2011/12 and he was rewarded for his form with a debut in the 1-0 win over Spain at Wembley.

Although injuries have somewhat hampered his debut campaign in Manchester, Jack has shown why Roberto Mancini was keen to bring him to City whenever he has played, and will be hoping to cement a first team spot in 2013/14.

Date of birth: 8 January 1986

Place of birth: Arguineguin, Spain

David Silva must have felt at home straight away at the City of Manchester Stadium, having conjured the winning goal on his previous visit. The Spanish international has happy memories of his new home ground after scoring for Champions League outfit Valencia in a pre-season opener against City in 2007.

David Silva

He was joint top scorer with four goals in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championships, helping Spain to reach the quarter-finals, and made his senior debut in November, 2006.

David scored his first goals in a 3-2 win over Greece in 2007 and played a key role in Spain’s success including a semi-final goal against Russia.

He came to prominence when Valencia loaned him to top-flight side Celta Vigo for the 2005-06 season and he hit four goals in 31 games to help clinch a UEFA Cup spot.

David’s exploits earned him a seven-year contract and he made more than 140 appearances for Valencia, scoring 20 goals, before deciding to join City’s Blue Revolution.

He quickly adjusted to the demands of English football, with a brilliant individual goal at Bloomfield Road helping him win City’s player of the month award for October. More influential performances saw him scoop the same prize in the following month.

Silva has become the heart and soul of the City midfield over the past couple of seasons, topping the lists for assists for both the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons and was voted the MCFC Players’ Player of the Year for 2011/12 as well as winning the EA Performance award.

Silva finished 2012 PFA Player of the Year award runner-up and has become a regular member of Spain’s all conquering national team.

A brilliant, creative midfielder who has become a huge favourite with the City fans.

Date of birth: 25 March 1989

Place of birth: Bath, England

Scott Sinclair

Scott Sinclair signed for City on transfer deadline day, 31 August, 2012. The pacey winger, 23, enjoyed a terrific 2011/12 campaign with Swansea and was a major factor in the South Wales side’s promotion to the Premier League the season before.

Sinclair began his career at Bristol Rovers and made his debut aged 15 before moving to Chelsea where he spent five years. He made a succession of loan moves during his time at Stamford Bridge, playing for Plymouth, QPR, Charlton, Crystal Palace, Birmingham and Wigan before Swansea paid £500,000 for his services in 2010.

An integral part of the Great Britain Olympic squad during London 2012, Scott played four times during the tournament, scoring once.

City’s no.11 has struggled during his first season with the Blues, with most of his appearances coming from the bench but will be hoping for better things next term.

Date of birth: 13 May 1983

Place of birth: Sekoura Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire

Yaya Toure

Yaya Toure’s decision to join centre-half Kolo at the club meant they became the first brothers to play for City since Shaun and Bradley Wright-Phillips. Standing at 6ft 2in, the 27-year-old was a popular figure among Barca fans and had attracted interest from a number of top clubs in the Premier League and around Europe.

Yaya, one of three footballing brothers, began his career as a youth with Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas in 1996 before he moved to Beveren aged 18 in 2001, spending two full seasons with the Belgian side before joining Ukrainian side Metalurg Donetsk in 2003.

After further spells with Olympiakos and Monaco enhanced his reputation yet further, Yaya became the first Ivorian to be signed by Barcelona who paid around £9m for his services in 2007.

In 2009, he won the Champions League with the Catalans as an emergency centre-half and he celebrated his second successive La Liga title with Barca last May before jetting off to South Africa – his second World Cup having been part of the 2006 squad in Germany.

Leaving the Nou Camp was no easy decision, even to join a club such as City, but Toure packed a Champions League medal and FIFA Club World Cup medal (2009). He also won La Liga twice (2008/09, 2009/10), the UEFA Super Cup (2009), and the Copa del Rey (2008/09).

After 118 appearances with the Spanish giants and almost 300 career appearances to date, City have signed one of the best midfielders in the world.

Yaya wore the No.24 shirt for Barca in honour of one of his boyhood idols, Patrick Vieira, but happily decided to wear 42 City given that his preferred number was already occupied by his hero!

Yaya has since become an integral member of the City team and by the end of the 2012/13 campaign he had scored 30 goals in more than 120 appearances, including some vital and historic goals for the Blues.

He scored the winner in the FA Cup Semi-Final against Stoke in 2011 and the winner in the final against Stoke City. His two goals against Newcastle in the penultimate game of the 2011/12 campaign paved the way for the Blues to win the title and his all-round input to team since he joined the club has been nothing short of sensational.

Strikers

Date of birth: 2 June 1988

Place of birth: Quilmes, Argentina

Sergio Aguero

Following Gael Clichy and Stefan Savic into the club, Sergio Aguero’s arrival at City was completed on 28 July 2011 as the club’s third signing of the summer.The Argentine striker’s professional career started in July 2003 when, aged just 15 years and 13 days, he made his debut for Independiente, becoming the youngest debutant in the Argentine Premier League - a record previously held by the man who became his his father-in-law, none other than Diego Maradona.

Aguero won the Under-20 World Cup with Argentina in 2005, before combining with Fernando Torres at Atletico Madrid the following year. His excellent club form was rewarded with a first senior cap in September 2006 and a year later,

Aguero starred as the outstanding player of the 2007 Under-20 World Cup. Winner of both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards, ‘El Kun’ scored six goals in seven games to clinch successive Under-20 World titles.

Aguero continued to thrive at Atletico and following the departure of Torres to Liverpool, was partnered with Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan ahead of the 2007/08 campaign.

The duo led Atletico to Champions League qualification for the first time in a decade and Aguero was named La Liga’s best foreign player in 2008 – the only time in four years that Lionel Messi was not awarded the honour – before landing an Olympic gold medal with Argentina that summer.

The 2009/10 season proved even more fruitful for Aguero as Atletico won the Europa League – from which UEFA Super Cup success followed - and were only narrowly beaten in the Copa del Rey final. Appearances at the 2010 World Cup and 2011 Copa America established Aguero as a permanent fixture in the national side and his arrival at the Etihad Stadium broke the club’s transfer record.

He scored twice on his debut against Swansea City and went on to enjoy a fantastic first season for the Blues, becoming the first player to score 30 goals in a season since Shaun Goater in 2001/02.

His dramatic, last-gasp winner against QPR won the title for City and he capped off an amazing year by being voted as the MCFC Player of the Year, as voted for by the Club’s fans.

He has been no stranger to crucial goals this season either, netting the winner against Chelsea at Wembley to book City a place in the FA Cup final.

Date of birth: 17 March 1986

Place of birth: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Edin Dzeko

Edin Dzeko became Roberto Mancini’s ninth signing when the Bosnian striker moved to the City of Manchester Stadium from Wolfsburg on a five-year deal in January, 2011.Edin Dzeko became Roberto Mancini’s ninth signing when the Bosnian striker moved to the City of Manchester Stadium from Wolfsburg on a five-year deal in January, 2011.

Dzeko was born on March 17, 1986 in Sarajevo, a city in turmoil and under seige during the break-up of the old Yugoslavia, when Edin was only six.

Now regarded as one of the best strikers in Europe, he actually began his playing career at local side FK Zeljeznicar as a midfielder. But when he moved to FK Teplice in the Czech league, Dzeko finished top scorer for the 2006/07 season with 13 goals from 30 appearances.

The striker, who was made a UNICEF ambassador in November 2009, became the highest League scorer in Wolfsburg’s history. He scored 66 goals in 111 Bundesliga matches and 84 times in all competitions.

Dzeko has represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at all levels, impressing on his senior debut with a volleyed goal in a 2-2 draw against Turkey in June 2008, and has gone on to score 17 times in his 31 international appearances.

While he just missed out on the World Cup finals in 2010 - Bosnia and Herzegovina lost in the play-offs to Portugal - Dzeko still finished the qualifying campaign as joint second-top scorer with nine goals.

Once his move from Wolfsburg to City was completed, it did not take Dzeko long to look at home in English football. He linked up superbly with Carlos Tevez to set up Yaya Toure’s goal in his first game for City, an exciting win over Wolves, and then he opened his account for the Blues in just his third outing to salvage a draw with Notts County in the FA Cup.

Grabbing a goal in the final game of City’s title-winning campaign in 2012, Dzeko has appeared more than 100 times for the Blues in all competitions.

Date of birth: 15 April 1992

Place of birth: Stockholm, Sweden

John Guidetti

Widely regarded as the brightest young striking talent in Swedish football, John Guidetti joined the Blues as a 16-year-old after impressing then-manager Sven-Goran Eriksson in 2008.Born in the Swedish capital of Stockholm, Guidetti spent significant periods of his childhood in Kenya, where he would play street football outside Nairobi. His father would drive him to the Ligi Ndogo Academy, where it was obvious the young striker was a cut above the rest.

Upon his family’s return to Sweden, he signed for IF Brommapojkarna before making the move to Manchester. A prolific 13 goals in his first 13 games for the City Under-18s, a hat-trick in his reserve team debut and a brief loan

return to IF Brommapojkarna continued the striker’s footballing education.

Guidetti made his City debut on 22 September 2010 when selected in the starting line-up for the League Cup third round tie away to West Bromwich Albion and set up City’s only goal of the game. A one month loan spell to Burnley followed, in which he scored one goal in five appearances before returning to his parent club for the remainder of the season, where he would continue his impressive form for the EDS.

On 9 July 2011, Guidetti signed a three-year contract extension with the Blues and embarked on his most successful season to date. A year-long loan spell at Eredivisie club Feyenoord was arranged, and the promising Swedish star was given the opportunity to shine. With 20 goals and eight assists in his 23 games for the Dutch team, Guidetti became a firm fan favourite and instant hero, his goals guiding Feyenoord to a surprise second place finish and to a Champions League third round qualifying position.

A phenomenal scoring record, including hat-tricks against FC Twente, Ajax and Vitesse propelled Guidetti to the national stage, making his international debut in February 2012 as a half-time substitute versus Croatia.

Injury in mid-April unfortunately prevented the starlet from taking part in his country’s Euro 2012 campaign as he failed to recover in time, and also led to him missing a large part of the 2012/13 campaign.

He returned to EDS action in January and made an immediate impact – scoring after just nine minutes. More goals followed for the Swede in the second half of the season, and he will now be seeking to impress Manuel Pellegrini and become a regular part of the first team squad.

City Academy

The Academy was set up in 1998 to provide a strong and effective Youth Programme, for the recruitment and development of young footballers within Manchester City Football Club.

Since then 30 young players have emerged from the Academy to play first-team football for Manchester City, an unprecedented achievement in the modern era.

In line with the Football Association’s Charter of Quality, the Academy prepares players of the future for the Club and enables them to progress both on and off the field.

Structured coaching, together with an educational and welfare programme throughout their time at the Club, ensures that there is continuity for the players from the ages of 9-18.

City in the Community

Community has always been at the heart of Manchester City Football Club both at home and abroad.

As a club with roots firmly in the local community, one of our key aims is to give something back to those people, both domestically and internationally, that have supported us through the years.

Our health, coaching and education programmes as well as our involvement in the regeneration of east Manchester, touches the lives of over 200,000 people a year.

For over 26 years CITC has engaged with people from all areas of Manchester, showing the clubs’ commitment to supporting its local communities.

In addition to this, we endeavour to engage and interact with the various communities we come into contact with all over the world - from Africa to the Middle East and North America.

We hope our supporters across the globe will enjoy learning about what we do and will engage with us as our community work develops and grows worldwide.