Bernardo Silva, Manuel Akanji and Josko Gvardiol dialled in to Ashbury Meadow Primary School, Beswick, where the Club had constructed a City-centric phone box.
Unbeknown children, who were taking part in their regular City in the Community session, answered the ringing phone box to find one of the players live on the other end.
Silva, Akanji and Gvardiol enjoyed asking the children silly festive questions and learning about their celebration plans.
Speaking after the call, one pupil said:
“When I went in, I was in complete shock because I met Bernardo Silva! It was crazy. At first, I thought it was just a video and then I realised he was actually on a call with me.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever met a football player, so I was really nervous, but mostly excited because Manchester City is the best club in the world!”
Another added:
“When the phone rang, I was confused but then really excited when I realised I was meeting a Man City player, because they are my most favourite football club ever. I’ve supported them all my life.”
The stunt was arranged to help celebrate Man City‘s Christmas campaign, 0161 Christmas Calling, which was launched last month and supports the Club’s charity, City in the Community.
For every purchase a fan makes from a range of selected retail items*, including the ‘0161’ inspired PUMA home kit for the 2024/25 season, the Club will donate £5 to its charity (registered charity no. 1139229).
This year’s Christmas retail shop is open now, in store and online, featuring new festive gifts for 2024. Items which includes a £5 donation to City in the Community through the Christmas campaign are:
- Fair Isle Christmas jumper
- 4-in-a-row Christmas jumper
- Gonk plus
- Santa teddy plush
- Bertie plush
- Manchester city’s PUMA home kit for the 2024/25 season
Manchester City is also matching any additional donations made to the charity, to help increase the overall funds up to the value of £75,000**.
Fans can donate at the tills in the stadium store, when checking out online during their purchase journey for match tickets, or via this donation page.
Funds raised will go towards supporting CITC’s existing programmes, including a new year-round project with the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House, as well as a refurbished space for patients to play football.
Fans can also support the campaign by bidding on a series of ‘Definitely Maybe’ match-issued shirts, each co-signed by Noel Gallagher and a Manchester City player.
ENTER THE NOEL GALLAGHER SIGNED SHIRT AUCTION
Elsewhere, City in the Community will also be delivering a calendar of festive activities in December to support families who need it most. This includes donating free Christmas Day meals to foodbanks and welcoming hundreds of local people to the City Football Academy for various celebrations.
Manchester City will also continue its annual support for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital through donating gifts to children who are staying in hospital over the festive period.
Cityzens can also nominate fellow Cityzens and City-loving friends or family who deserve an unforgettable treat this Christmas, in the annual Cityzens Christmas Surprise campaign, with nominations open now.
To shop and support City in the Community this Christmas, visit: www.mancity.com/shop
For more information, visit: www.mancity.com/ChristmasCalling
*Fair Isle Christmas jumper, 4 in a row Christmas jumper, Gonk plush, Santa teddy plush, Bertie plush, Manchester City’s PUMA home kit for the 2024/25 season.
**MCFC will donate £5 for each product* sold and will match donations made to Manchester City F.C. City in the Community Foundation (registered charity no. 1139229) during the period of 07 November 2024 to 31 December 2024 up to a maximum of £75,000 in total.
