Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger visited Manchester City’s training ground last week.
The French manager came to Man City’s training complex in order to present the players with the many gongs they had won at the 2023 FIFPRO awards.
Several players can be seen in the video released by the club on their Youtube account, shaking Wenger’s hand and conversing with him, including Manuel Akanji, Mateo Kovacic, Erling Haaland, and Matheus Nunes.
Four players who were included in the FIFPRO World XI, including Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bernardo Silva, posed for separate photos with the Frenchman.
The scenes have been documented in the latest episode of Inside City on YouTube.
One interaction between Wenger and John Stones particularly caught the attention of the fans.
Wenger says: “I see you more and more you become a midfielder, but you played like that when you were young!
Stones replies: “Well, a little bit, I’m trying my best!”
Wenger then responded: “Congratulations. I’m impressed.”
Man City manager Pep Guardiola has often used Stones as a midfielder. The hybrid role was given to Stones last season and he impressed in the new role.
Even in the Champions League final last season, Stones adopted this role and performed brilliantly.
In Man City’s recent draw against Liverpool in the Premier League, Stones was once again deployed in the midfield and he showed his versatility again.
It’s admirable that the Frenchman told Stones directly how impressed he is with him, since it is evident that he has taken a significant interest in his progress.
Stones’ confidence is sure to increase as a result of this and the England international continues to be a crucial player for his club and country.
