Manchester City say farewell to Pablo Zabaleta with string of parting gifts including lifetime season ticket
Argentine defender played his 333rd game for the club in a nine-year spell in Manchester
PABLO ZABALETA was given a heroes farewell tribute after playing his last game for Manchester City.
The Argentine bowed out with his 333rd club appearance when Pep Guardiola subbed the defender on with 30 minutes left on the clock in the 3-1 win over West Brom.
And the 32-year-old, who is set to join West Ham next season, was given the man of the match award as fans gave a rousing reception for the City legend.
After the game his team-mates formed a guard of honour for Zabaleta who strolled through with his young child to applause from all four corners of the ground.
But the tributes continued to pile in as he was gifted a shirt with ‘333’ stamped across the back and a joke first aid kit by the club doctor.
Former players including Mario Balotelli were then shown on the big screen as they gave their personal message thanking the veteran.
And he was finally presented with a unique lifetime season ticket meaning he is able to attend any City match whenever he wants to come back.
Pablo Zabaleta's Manchester City achievements
Premier League title: 2011-12, 2013-14
FA Cup: 2010-11
League Cup: 2013-14, 2015-16
Community Shield: 2012
Premier League PFA Team of the Year: 2012-13
Etihad Player of the Year: 2012-13
Speaking after the game, an emotional Zabaleta said: “As a football player and as a football fan it was a dream to come to the Premier League.
“I said to my girlfriend, now my wife, let me go to Manchester, I will enjoy it, it will be only for three or four years, so I’ll have to say sorry, it’s been nine years.
“My favourite moments were when we beat Manchester United in the semi-final at Wembley and the first Premier League we won with Sergio Aguero’s goal. The fans had waited so long and we did it in a City way.”