Man City legend Kinkladze wishes he'd played under Guardiola | OneFootball

Kinkladze joined City in 1995 and spent three seasons at Maine Road, during which time the Georgian developed a deep mutual affection with the club’s supporters.

He finally left for Ajax in 1998 after City had been relegated to the third tier of English football, and the 45-year-old admits he wishes he’d played for the club during a more successful period, like the one they’re enjoying now.

“Easily,” he joked to the Manchester Evening News when asked if he’d get in the current team.

“Seriously it’s not up to me to answer this question.

“But I would love to play with Guardiola. The way they play, with the players now City have, I would love to.

“I love David Silva of course, he is a top, top player. I also love Agüero and De Bruyne.

“All the midfielders and strikers are so, so good, it is amazing to watch and it would be so easy to play with them. The one-twos, the link play would be amazing.”

The former midfield maestro also played for Derby County following his spell at City, but he says he’s still a fan of the Blues to this day and was particularly delighted by the 2012 Premier League title win.

“It was the best moment for me. After the memories I have, of going down,” he said.

“For the fans it was the best, and I am like a fan now.

“So it was a really great day for me and for the City fans also.”

City returned to the summit of the Premier League table with their 1-0 victory away at Tottenham on Monday night and while Kinkladze is backing his old club to retain the title, he’s less confident about their chances of winning the Champions League this season.

“I think so. I watch now and maybe the league will be close with Liverpool, that is my opinion but I think City will do it,” he said.

“To be fair, with the Champions League because they don’t have the experience much, I think they are a little bit struggling.

“I think they will get there. But right now I don’t see it, I am sorry to say, I think they need more.”

Kinkladze has returned to his homeland now but still visits Manchester often, and he says he always gets a warm welcome from City’s supporters.

“It has been very good, I feel very happy.

“It still surprises me. But often I come to Manchester and still I feel the love and respect from them (the City fans).

“And I appreciate that of course.

“I live in Tbilisi but but my eldest son lives here in Knutsford so I am often coming over to see him, and see my friends here, go to the game when City play at home. So everything is good in this moment.”