The Manchester City squad have taken a break from preparing for their next fixture with Wolves to bring some festive cheer to children who will spend Christmas in hospital.
City trained on Monday, before taking time out of their busy schedule to surprise patients and their families at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.
The women's squad also visited The Christie, Francis House and Wythenshawe Starlight Ward to hand out presents to patients.
Pep Guardiola took the men's team to see over 400 children as they handed out presents on behalf of the club. City took their latest trophies with them to give families the opportunity to have their photos taken with the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Guardiola and Brazilian duo Ederson and Gabriel Jesus also played foosball with families.
City players marked the occasion by committing to funding a new piece of equipment for the hospital - an interactive, portable projector to aid treatment called the Magic Carpet.
The Magic Carpet’s interface camera and eye-point device helps children with physical or cognitive impairments, those who are non-verbal or with acquired brain injuries to engage in fun games and communicate with other patients and clinicians. The technology also assists patients to undergo neuropsychological assessment that may otherwise be difficult to achieve due to their condition.
Pep Guardiola said: “It is always an honour to come to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and meet such brave young people and their families. The staff and volunteers do amazing work all year round and we are in awe of their tireless effort.
“Spending this time of year in hospital must be so difficult but everyone we met was smiling. Their strength and courage is incredibly inspiring for all of us and we are grateful to have been a part of this special day.”
Sarah Naismith, Director of Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We were delighted to welcome the squad back to the hospital. Their annual Christmas visit is always a huge highlight of our year and brings a buzz to the wards and smiles to the faces of our patients, families and staff. We cannot thank the players, and everyone involved in the visit, for their continued support.”
