MAN-IN-THE-PUB ZABALETA WILL BE BADLY MISSED
DURING his early years in the North West, Pablo Zabaleta, who has decided to leave Manchester City at the end of the season, would immerse himself in the club’s culture.
He wanted to become part of City’s fabric. There was a pub across the street from his Didsbury flat.
A scruffy City haunt, the Barleycorn was not a place for your average footballer. But Zabaleta is not your average footballer, regularly choosing to play a quiet game of pool with girlfriend Christel Castano – now his wife – after a post-training siesta.
City supporters would come chat. Friendly and warm, Zabaleta was schooled on the history of his club in that pub.
The Argentinian, who arrived here in 2008 an unknown quantity, was one of them. Every fan who stole Zabaleta away for a few minutes in the Barleycorn will cherish him and what he has done.
Thousands of others will, too, for his work with City in the Community projects – for the time he takes to listen and his willingness to help. Rarely have fans and staff been so united in admiration for one man.
Vincent Kompany, who joined in the same season, weeks before Sheik Mansour’s takeover, best summed up his mate.
“He epitomises what fans have loved about City,” said Kompany.
“He’s tough, he gets into challenges he has no right to win but he gets out on the winning end. More than anything it’s his passion and commitment.”
City were aware of his desire to leave some time ago and the fitting send off was set, a programme dedicated to him, a video recorded, a shirt to be presented – they even named him Man of the Match despite the fact he only came on as a 62nd-minute substitute.
The Etihad rose as he took the field to a roar louder than those that greeted any of the goals flying into Ben Foster’s net.
There is a feeling he will be back in the future.
Since signing from Espanyol nine years ago, Zabaleta has won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups and the right back was one who bridged the gap between old and new.
Money propelled City into a different sphere but in Zabaleta they retained the grit of their past. The Barleycorn isn’t there any more. Didsbury traded up for a fashionable wine bar.
City will do well if they manage to sign a worthy replacement for Pablo. – Daily Mail