If I’m not soaking in the electric atmosphere at the Etihad, I’m camped out in front of the TV with friends and family, watching every goal from back home.
Over the last two seasons, I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Etihad about 10 times! For someone living in the States, making the trip to Manchester isn’t always easy, but it’s been an absolute thrill to witness the magic of the Etihad in person.
Growing up in the United States, football wasn’t as popular as it is today. I was around 10 years old when I first discovered the Premier League, and I was immediately captivated.
I even convinced my parents to purchase the TV package that allowed me to watch every match.
One of the first Manchester City games I watched featured David Silva, and I was instantly enamoured with him.
As a fellow left-footer, I admired his style of play, and from the moment I saw him make his debut for City, I knew he was my favourite player.
My deep-rooted love for Manchester City was solidified in that moment.
Coincidentally, my football team back home also wore sky blue as our kit colour, making my connection to the club feel even more natural. I’m truly grateful that I found this beautiful club, and I couldn’t be happier with the bond we’ve shared ever since.
Being a fan for the last 15 years, I’ve been blessed with so many unforgettable moments with this incredible club.
From the legendary 93:20 moment to Kompany’s rocket against Leicester, it’s tough to pick just one.
But if I had to choose, my absolute favourite would be from our treble-winning season when we faced Arsenal at the Etihad. We beat them 4-1 to leap into first place after trailing them in the table for so long.
I’d already been in England for a month, following City home and away leading up to that match, and it was my first-ever night game at the Etihad.
The atmosphere was electric from the moment I stepped into the stadium. To top it off, my best friend Mike was with me, making it even more special to share that moment with the person I grew up loving this club alongside.
After years of watching every game on TV from across the world, experiencing that intense, title-deciding game in person with my best friend was surreal. And when Haaland scored with his hair down to seal the win—it was just the perfect ending to an unforgettable night. Without a doubt, it’s the best memory of my life!
Being able to travel so close to home to see my favourite players and coaches feels like a dream come true.
Every time City has crossed the pond for a preseason tour in the U.S., I’ve made sure to be there at every game in New York.
Growing up here, you dream of escaping the States just for the chance to watch a game live. But now that they’re coming to us, our dreams of finally watching them live has come true.
It’s amazing to see how much the fanbase has exploded over the years. Sky blue jerseys are popping up everywhere—it’s like Manchester’s favourite colour has taken over!
Salvatore Castiglione
