Pablo Zabaleta has described the reception he received from Manchester City fans as 'special', as he played at the Etihad Stadium for the final time.
Zabaleta, now at West Ham, made 333 appearances for City between 2008 and 2017, winning two Premier League titles, two League Cups and one FA Cup trophy. He was a key part of the side who transformed City into regular title contenders, and has been given a rousing reception whenever he has returned since.
The Argentine is out of contract at the London Stadium at the end of the season and will leave English football.
That made his substitute appearance in Wednesday's 2-0 defeat to City his final appearance at the Etihad Stadium.
Zabaleta replaced Ryan Fredericks on the hour mark for the Hammers, with City fans rising to their feet to serenade their former right-back onto the field.
After the game, he took to Twitter to thank both sets of fans for their support on Wednesday night, as he left a hint that he could still return to his former home, describing the game as his final appearance at the Etihad as a Premier League player.
He wrote: "Disappointing defeat for us, thanks to the @WestHam fans who supported us.
"Last time at the Etihad Stadium as a @premierleague player, the reception was very special for me."
