Manchester City’s transformation into a global football powerhouse began in 2008 when Sheikh Mansour, a member of the United Arab Emirates royal family, acquired the club. Pablo Zabaleta, a former Manchester City player, who joined the club 10 days before Sheikh Mansour’s takeover, remembers the drastic changes that followed.
The club’s training facilities were still in Carrington back then and were far from the state-of-the-art complex they are today. Zabaleta recalls the old press conference room, a cold, makeshift shed that was hardly ideal for interviews. "In winter, you didn’t feel like going in there, even if you were crazy," he said in an interview with Relevo.
From Espanyol to Manchester City
When Zabaleta moved from Espanyol to Manchester City, his wife questioned the decision. "You’re going from Barcelona to Manchester? You’re not improving your football prospects; you’re actually downgrading," she said. But Zabaleta wanted to play in the Premier League, so he made the switch.
Zabaleta’s time at Espanyol was notable, and he even won the 2005 Under-20 World Cup with Argentina, where he was teammates with a young Lionel Messi. Zabaleta remembers Messi being shy and introverted during their time together. "When the press came, Messi would hide behind trees and look down at the ground," he recalled.
A Glimpse into Messi’s Early Days
During their first training session together, Messi reportedly "killed" his teammates with his skill. Despite his talent, Zabaleta described Messi as "calm and respectful." The two players would later face off in the 2014 World Cup final, where Germany emerged victorious.
Some key points that highlight Manchester City’s transformation include:
- The club’s significant investment in its training facilities
- The takeover by Sheikh Mansour in 2008
- The improvement in the club’s global reputation and success
Zabaleta’s story provides a unique perspective on the club’s journey to becoming one of the world’s top football teams.