Abdukodir Khusanov refuses to sign Real Madrid shirt in cult hero move that wins hearts of Manchester City fans | OneFootball

Abdukodir Khusanov has received plaudits from Manchester City fans on social media after refusing to sign a Real Madrid fan’s shirt whilst on international duty this week.

The 21-year-old is one of the most popular figures amongst the club’s fanbase after a blistering start to life in England since becoming the first player from Uzbekistan to play in the Premier League when he made his debut against Chelsea in January.

City signed Khusanov for £33.6 million plus add-ons from RC Lens in the closing week of the January transfer window and the young centre-half has already started against the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool and Tottenham.

Pep Guardiola has been delighted with the impact Khusanov has made since his mid-season introduction to a new country and league, with the defender far from perfect in his ability to communicate in English.

The fearless Uzbek defender has been a much-needed breath of fresh air for Manchester City’s backline amidst a long list of injuries that have derailed the club’s season, with each of Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji having spent weeks if not months on the treatment table this season.

Khusanov has quickly established himself as one of the first names on Guardiola’s teamsheet and has more than recovered from a horror start to his Manchester City career when he gave away a goal after three minutes on his debut in a 3-1 win against Chelsea.

Last week, Khusanov was gifted a Mercedes Benz G-Class upon his arrival to Tashkent for international duty – having gained popularity in his homeland owing to his ever-growing heroic status in Manchester.

In another incident that has seen the club’s fanbase shower praise on Khusanov, the defender was videoed refusing to sign a Real Madrid shirt on international duty over the weekend, winning the hearts of thousands of City fans online.

Real Madrid have developed a fierce rivalry with Manchester City stemming from their regular encounters in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages since 2020.

The current holders of the competition knocked out the Blues in the Round of 16 stage this season and Khusanov’s refusal to sign a white jersey has gone down extremely well amongst the City fanbase.