Manchester City On Best Behaviour After Chinese Criticism

Manchester City have been on their very best behaviour in Hong Kong after the criticism they received in Chinese media last week.

The blues were accused of arrogance and disrespect by Chinese state media, who claimed the blues players had not engaged with local fans and shown ‘discrimination’ against local media, claims the blues manager Pep Guardiola refuted.

“I should say I don’t agree and also that it’s false. I can’t understand what people are saying - maybe one journalist is a bit upset, I don’t know why,” Guardiola responded before adding “But it’s far away from the reality.”

And City forward Raheem Sterling added “Every time we got back from training to the hotel, we embraced the fans, we signed signatures, we said our goodbyes, I thought there was a really good connection. I thought China was a great experience. You ask the boys, they all loved it.”

But despite the match Hong Kong being played against a backdrop of protests against China, the blues met with fans and every player shook hands with Kitchee’s long-serving South Korean defender Kim Dong-jin as he was substituted in the final appearance of a 20 year long career, with Guardiola presenting him with a personalised shirt as he reached the touchline.