Just signed for City and dedicates his first words to a Madrid player

đ©đż AĂŻt-Nouri Joins Man City â But Pays Tribute to a Real Madrid Legend
Manchester Cityâs latest signing, Rayan AĂŻt-Nouri, may be gearing up for life under Pep Guardiola, but his heart clearly lies elsewhere â at least when it comes to childhood idols.
Just minutes after confirming his move to the Premier League champions, the Algerian left-back was asked about his footballing inspiration. His answer was swift, sincere, and striking:
âMy football idol? When I was a kid, it was Marcelo.â
đ Marceloâs Legacy Still Shines Bright
AĂŻt-Nouriâs admiration for Marcelo â the legendary Real Madrid full-back who played 546 matches and lifted a record number of titles with Los Blancos â is yet another testament to the Brazilianâs enduring influence.
With his flair, creativity, and attacking instincts, Marcelo redefined the modern left-back role. That legacy is now inspiring a new generation â and AĂŻt-Nouri is one of them.
đ€ A Madridista in Manchester?
The comment might seem harmless, but in the world of elite football â and with a manager as meticulous as Guardiola â itâs a curious twist. City and Real Madrid have developed a fierce rivalry in recent Champions League campaigns, and this little âMadridismoâ moment from their newest player certainly wonât go unnoticed.
While AĂŻt-Nouri now has the task of cementing his place at the Etihad, his public affection for Real Madrid could hint at a dream move in the future. After all, many players have started in Manchester and ended up in Madrid.
đ„ An Unintended Blow for Guardiola?
After enduring one of Cityâs most underwhelming seasons under his watch, Guardiola is preparing for a critical summer â starting with the FIFA Club World Cup. In that context, the last thing he expected was for his newest signing to sing praises of one of Real Madridâs biggest icons.
Though it may not affect team dynamics directly, the symbolism is strong. Even in defeat, Madridâs influence echoes â through players, through fans, and now even in Cityâs own dressing room.