Former Man City wonderkid opens up on emotional return to club 14 years after leaving

Former Manchester City star Vladimir Weiss was visibly moved as he anticipated an emotional return to his former club ahead of Tuesday's Champions League match.

The 34-year-old, who currently captains Slovak champions Slovan Bratislava, reflected on his formative years with City where he claimed the FA Youth Cup in 2008 and later progressed to the main squad. Despite only making a handful of appearances for City following the club's transformation under Sheikh Mansour, and subsequent spells at Bolton, Rangers and Espanyol, Weiss has held onto fond memories of his time in Manchester.

During a press conference before Slovans opening home game in the league stage, Weiss expressed fond recollections: “I have great memories of City, it was a dream come true in all aspects. I will be grateful all my life that I could grow up there. Leaving your family is difficult but it made me the way I am.

READ MORE: I had to leave Man City - now I'm the next Champions League star thanks to Sancho and Bellingham

READ MORE: I left Man City under a cloud but Pep has already forgiven me - now I have Real Madrid in my sights

“It was an amazing achievement to break through to the first team at a young age with the players that were already in the squad.

“I’m always going to watch City, not just because it was my first club but because they play the best football in the world.”

Adding to the heartfelt moment, Weiss was nearly brought to tears when pressed to justify his position in a team coached by his father, who shares his name.

Weiss, who is set to hang up his boots at the end of the season, said: “I’ve always been honest and I know that my performances have not always been what I wish for, but it’s also because I’m getting older and trying to give everything I can to the team.”

Slovan are making their debut in the competition proper after successfully navigating through four qualifying rounds.

The team's coach, Weiss Senior, expressed his excitement: “We’re going to play one of the best teams in the world and we’re really excited. It’s a fairytale.”

Despite the excitement, Weiss acknowledged the challenge ahead against the 2023 winners, especially after a heavy 5-1 defeat to Celtic in their opening match two weeks prior.

When quizzed about his squad's strategy, he humorously remarked: “To survive!”