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Man City legend looks completely unrecognisable as he returns to action for World XI at the age of 49


HE has not lost his ability to run with the ball.

This Man City legend gave fans a reminder of his dribbling skills as a Rangers legends side played a World XI on Sunday.

This Man City legend shows off his dribbling skills for the World XI against RangersCredit: Willie Vass

Picking the ball up in the middle of the park, ex-Gers star Nikica Jelavic gave a wry smile as his opponent wriggled away from him in the centre circle.

It was a sight fans at Maine Road saw regularly in the 1990s, when this 5ft8in midfielder would slalom his way through a team’s defence with incredible guile and close control.

He joined the club in 1995, following a loan spell with Boca Juniors and his career at a crossroads.

But he would soon become a cult figure, scoring a slew of stunning goals.

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His most famous came in 1996 against Southampton, when a mazy run took him past five Saints stars before he calmly chipped Dave Beasant.

The goal came second in the Match of the Day’s goal of the season, however a year later City were relegated from the Premier League.

Despite their demotion, this loyal footballer stayed with the club – and was rewarded by winning their Player of the Year in 1995-96.

Have you guessed who it is?

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Of course. It’s the Magician of Maine Road, Georgi Kinkladze!

For four years, ‘Kinky’ brought City fans unbridled entertainment.

Sure, he frustrated at times when he drifted out of games. But when he was on it, he was unplayable.

Georgi Kinkladze was a cult hero at Maine RoadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Kinkladze was famous for scoring some incredible solo goalsCredit: PA

Kinkladze played 121 times for City, scoring 22 goals.

After an ill-fated spell at Ajax, he returned to the Premier League with Derby County.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to recreate the magic at the Baseball Ground and he finished his career in Russia with Rubin Kazan.


Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


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