Manchester City with Etihad Airways

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.

Malaysia Airlines Golden LoungeAs 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.

Etihad Airways ChauffeurBMW 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.

Malmaison Manchester HotelOur Hotel Room at Malmaison Manchester Hotel

Manchester Town HallManchester Town Hall

Fish & ChipsTraditional 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 BreakfastBig English Breakfast

Etihad StadiumWe 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.

MC Players Changing RoomWalking down to Player’s Changing Room

Manchester City JerseyBeen “recruited” to help Manchester City? Our very own MC Jersey ^^

Chairman's Club Exclusive Restaurant at Etihad StadiumChairman’s Club Exclusive Restaurant at Etihad Stadium

Etihad Airways Platinum BoxEtihad Airways Platinum Boxes. Private room to watch football match.

MC Press ConferenceGiving a Press Conference

MCFC Players LoungeManchester City Players’ Lounge

After the stadium tour, we headed to Carrington Training Center, Manchester City’s training ground to train with the players!

Carrington Training CenterSergio Aguero at Carrington

We were divided into groups, started out by warm up exercise, before some exciting match with the players.

Manchester CityTraining 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 MuseumNational 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 RoastSunday Roast – Half Roast Shropshire Chicken

AleChilling, 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.

Manchester City

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!

BMWAirport 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 ^^

About Tommy Ooi 509 Articles
Luxury Hotel Reviewer & Destination Blogger. Passionate for travel, exploring new culture & indulging divine food, Tommy has traveled to 42 countries & 140+ destinations.

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