Brendon: Why did you join City in 1995?
Kinkladze: This is the Premier League – one of the best leagues in the world. Everybody wants to play in the Premier League. We [Georgia] had two games against Wales [Euro 96 qualifiers], I played well and scored in both the home and away game. When City offered me a contract, I didn’t even think about it. I didn’t even look what was in the contract. I just signed and I came to play here.
How did you find settling in Manchester?
I was 21, I came from a different country and I didn’t speak any English. It was difficult at the beginning, but everybody made me feel welcome. I have never felt like a stranger or a foreigner here. It was easy after two months, I felt like I was in Georgia.
What do you remember about the reception you received?
Kinkladze: Everybody asks me this question: ‘What day do you remember most?’. But for me, every day here was special. From the first day until now, almost 30 years ago, I’ve always felt very welcome in Manchester. I feel like it’s my second home. I love coming back to see old friends. It’s nice when City fans recognise me.
