CITY Kolarov admits it is a ‘very sad day’ as he leaves City
ALEKS Kolarov has left City with a little joke about his love-hate relationship with the fans.
The 31-year-old has joined Roma in a £5.8m move after seven years with the Blues, just as City are set to complete the signing of Benjamin Mendy.
But, despite making 244 appearances for the Blues – and winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups – Kolarov has never truly won over many fans.
And he has already outraged Lazio supporters by joining their city rivals Roma after repeatedly saying he would love to go back to the club where he spent three seasons before joining City.
They unveiled a banner calling him a ‘worm’ at a pre-season friendly over the weekend.
The player was involved in spats with supporters at pitchside more than once, and his relationship with the fans has always been a little uneasy.
But Kolarov, who was paid tribute by manager Pep Guardiola, was genuinely emotional in his farewell to the club on City TV – and even made a smiling reference to the fact he has not always been everybody’s cup of tea.
“When I came in 2010 I honestly didn’t expect to stay so long and the day has arrived that I have to say goodbye, and I am leaving – for some of the fans, finally,” he said, with a smile.
“For me it’s a very sad day, but that is life, that is football.”
Kolarov becomes the fourth full-back to leave City this summer after Gael Clichy, Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna – with Kyle Walker, Danilo and soon Benjamin Mendy heading the other way. And regardless of what any fan thinks, Kolarov has played his part in the most successful period in the club’s history.
He played in the 2011 FA Cup final win over Stoke, played 27 times in the successful Premier League campaign the following year and racked up some spectacular goals and assists.
“Great emotions in those seven years – the title that we won, and was always special for me, the first trophy we won after I don’t know how many years, the FA Cup in 2011,” he recalled.
“Every title we won was a special day for me personally, and a lot of friends I have met here will be friends for life.”
He also tipped the Blues to prosper under Guardiola, saying: “City are on the right road to win a lot of things. Pep is a great manager and with owners that want to invest, I am sure it is just a question of time before we win everything.
“When he came we had honest dialogue, and we have had the best relationship I have had with one manager. Not just like a coach and a player, but something above.
“For me he is the best manager in this moment and I wish him all the best. With me he was a great person, in the first place.”