Initially, I was taken aback upon receiving a call from Etihad Airways as my upcoming flight was merely few days later, any changes would be disastrous to my travel plan.
That concern was immediately turned into pleasant surprise when the guy introduce himself as Dave, the General Manager of Etihad Airways, Malaysia. The call was to inform I’m one of the 19 lucky winners worldwide to receive an Exclusive Invitation to train with Manchester City players & to watch the match against West Brom.
Definitely the wonderful news made my day especially knowing I’m the only winner from Malaysia & thus looking forward to this once a lifetime experience! Off we are flying to Manchester City with Etihad Airways!
Jane & Dave were very helpful sorting out the arrangement especially it is during Easter Holiday ensuring our trip was perfectly plan without any hitches.
As Etihad Airways Gold Member, I’m able to enjoy MAS Golden Lounge before flight to Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways flies from Kuala Lumpur to Abu Dhabi before connecting to Manchester. I prefer this way compared to direct flight as it allows me few hours rest on land. I find this way reduces the effect of jet lag compare to direct 13 hours flight to Europe.
BMW 5 Series arranged by Etihad Airways Chauffeur to hotel
Upon arrival at Manchester International Airport, we were greeted by Etihad Airways Chauffeur Service staff before escorting us to our luxury car for hotel transfer.
Our Hotel Room at Malmaison Manchester Hotel
Manchester Town Hall
Traditional British Comfort Food – Beer Battered Cod Fish & Chips with Guinness & Strongbow
On Saturday, all 19 winners & their partners were invited to visit Etihad Stadium, the home ground of Manchester City since 2003.
Big English Breakfast
We arrived Etihad Stadium!
The Etihad Stadium is the home ground of Manchester City Football Club, the 5th largest stadium in the Premier League and the twelfth-largest in the United Kingdom, with a seating capacity of 47,805.
Walking down to Player’s Changing Room
Been “recruited” to help Manchester City? Our very own MC Jersey ^^
Chairman’s Club Exclusive Restaurant at Etihad Stadium
Etihad Airways Platinum Boxes. Private room to watch football match.
Giving a Press Conference
Manchester City Players’ Lounge
After the stadium tour, we headed to Carrington Training Center, Manchester City’s training ground to train with the players!
Sergio Aguero at Carrington
We were divided into groups, started out by warm up exercise, before some exciting match with the players.
Training with : Stevan Jovetić, Edin Džeko, Matija Nastasić, Aleksandar Kolarov
Definitely one of the happiest day of my life to meet up the players in person & not to mention training with them as well. Am very grateful to Etihad Airways for giving us such wonderful experience!
National Football Museum
On Sunday, we visited National Football Museum, home to the world’s greatest collection of football. Admission is free; but you can make your trip even more memorable by buying a ticket for the Football Plus experience.
There are few interactive games to test your speed, reactions and accuracy; you can also try and score a penalty like in the game; have a go at commentating and so on.
Sunday Roast – Half Roast Shropshire Chicken
Chilling, Nicholson’s Pale Ale
Finally, Match day has arrived, everyone were very excited and looking forward to the match. Manchester City vs West Brom. A win is vital to stay in course for title run in.
The stadium was packed with fans, the atmosphere was unbelievable, everyone is singing Blue Moon, chanting their support & was instantly rewarded with entertaining, quality football.
2 goals in the first 10 minutes from Pablo Zabaleta and Sergio Aguero kept everyone on their toes throughout the match. 9 minutes before half-time City got a third when Nasri’s corner was flicked on by Vincent Kompany and side-footed in from close range by Demichelis to seal off the game.
Manchester City produced some blistering football to sweep aside West Brom at the Etihad Stadium. We are lucky to be one of the spectators for the match!
Airport Transfer
All good things come to an end, the whole experience was great & we appreciate the opportunity given by Etihad Airways and definitely looking forward for more ^^
Be the first to comment