Oleksandr Zinchemko faced his former Manchester City teammates as an Arsenal player for the first time last night (Picture: ITV Sport / Getty)
Oleksandr Zinchenko has thanked Manchester City’s fans for the reception he was afforded on his return to his former club last night.
The Ukraine international spent six trophy-laden years at the Etihad Stadium before he was granted a move to Arsenal in the summer.
Zinchenko has played a pivotal role in transforming the Gunners into title contenders but was forced to settle for a place on the bench for last night’s FA Cup fourth round tie.
The 26-year-old was introduced midway through the second period but was unable to help force the equaliser that would have secured Mikel Arteta’s side a replay.
Zinchenko was warmly greeted by City’s fans but events appeared to take a bizarre twist at the final whistle when he was involved in an altercation with Ilkay Gundogan.
Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Ruben Dias all attempted to diffuse the situation before Zinchenko was led away by Joao Cancelo.
Zinchenko did swap shirts with Walker before heading down the tunnel and will look forward to renewing acquaintances with City when they travel to the Emirates Stadium in a game that will have a large bearing on the destination of the Premier League title.
Taking to 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.’
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Bizarre scenes at the final whistle.
