Pep Guardiola’s side host Arsenal under the floodlights on Wednesday 17th June, with kick-off scheduled for 8:15pm (UK), but, of course, there will be no supporters allowed into the stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s likely to be a very strange feeling for everyone involved as safety takes precedence as the game we all love resumes.
But now, more than ever, City fans all around the globe will be tuning in to watch our return. And it’s clear to see that they are all eagerly looking forward to cheering Pep’s players on - albeit from afar.
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Local fan Alicia Hannah is one of the lucky few who will be actually able to watch the match in a pub.
“Luckily enough I live in a pub! So I will be one of the few that will be able to ‘nip to the pub’ for the game,” Alicia revealed with a smile.
“I’ll be getting a takeaway and sitting in front of the wide screen like an excited kid after I finish work to be sure I don’t miss any of the build-up.
“I can’t wait to see the boys back! It has seemed like forever, and it will be great to see the likes of Aymeric Laporte and Leroy Sane back too!”
Oliver Thomas, 22, from Stockport, also can’t wait to see the team back on the pitch.
“As the majority of City fans in the UK will be during these unusual times, I’ll be watching the match at home,” he said.
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“It won’t quite be the same watching games with empty stadiums but at least football is back and I can’t wait to see City back in action.”
However, jump over to the USA and there seems to be a common theme emerging.
City fans Mariano Lusardi from Orange County, California, and Hayley Mulcrone from Michigan both admitted that they’ll be watching the match alongside their beloved dogs at home.
“Since I’m working from home and social distancing I’ll be watching from home with my dog Harvey,” said Mariano.
“I’m super excited to see the boys again and curious on how things will be with no fans and restricted celebration rules.”
As for Hayley, she’s introducing her pup Maya to City for the first time.
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“I’ll be watching the Arsenal game at home with my boyfriend and brand new puppy Maya ‘Blue’ Moon!
“She’s never seen a City game, and I’m sure she’ll be an instant fan! I am SO excited to have City back in action. I might cry when I see the first KDB long-ball, or the first Ederson save!”
Move thousands of miles across the globe to Asia and there will also be many City fans tuning in from India.
Arjun Sharad is a passionate supporter from India and can’t wait to have that matchday feeling back.
“I’ll be watching my team return to action against Arsenal from my home only,” he said. “Luckily for me, everyone in my family supports Manchester City.
“It’ll be a great experience for all of us to get together and cheer City on again after such a long break.
“I can’t wait to see my favorite players coming out of the tunnel once again and to kick-off after a long time.”
Fellow Indian fan Abhishek Jain’s story is somewhat different and is proof of his concrete love for City.
“I had to shift houses last week,” he revealed. “I couldn’t buy any furniture, but one of the first things I made absolutely sure of was that I get a good internet connection and set up my TV so that I don’t miss out on De Bruyne and Silva making pin-point passes and Aguero smashing in buckets of goals!”
“So I’ll be here in my new and somewhat empty house, singing the blues while sitting on an air-mattress with a beer, watching Pep’s players take on Arsenal.”
As always we appreciate your wonderful support, wherever you are in the world! Come on, City!
