Summerbee said that Abu Dhabi’s backing has helped them get some really talented players to the blue half of Manchester and help them land the prestigious English Premier League Trophy after a gap of 44 years.

He added that it was not just the money but the way the club was run which has helped. “It is quite amazing what they have done. The financial backing has helped but it doesn’t stop there.

They have changed the way the club is run. We now have a top class stadium and also two amazing training grounds. It is quite amazing what they have done,” Summerbee said on Friday.

The 69-year-old is the official Club Ambassador and arrived in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday with the Premier League Trophy. The Trophy was taken on a tour of schools and businesses around Abu Dhabi before it went on display at the Manchester City Store at the Marina Mall. It will be on display on Saturday as well between 6 p.m and 7 p.m

And life has come a full circle for the former England international who was part of the team which won the league back in in 1968.

“It was the most incredible finish to a season and me and many others shed tears of joy,” said Summerbee.

Manchester City were in danger of losing out on the title after falling back to Queens Park Rangers and with five minutes of stoppage time left. But Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero had other ideas as they scripted a fairytale in those five minutes.

Summerbee said it was Abu Dhabi’s chance to be a part of the celebrations. “The emotions in Manchester after the match and then during the trophy parade was unbelievable and I am so happy all of our fans in the UAE now have the chance to be part of these celebrations,” he said.

He said that team spirit was what carried Manchester City through.

“When you look at the players, there is team spirit and togetherness. Those are what is important to find success and I believe that has helped us,” said Summerbee, who was nicknamed ‘Buzzer’ by his teammates.

With the Premier League title in the bag, Summerbee said that they should not just look at the UEFA Champions League but go all out to win everything. “You need to go all-out for every piece of silverware you can get. You need to take it step by step though,” he added.

james@khaleejtimes.com