The most common associations between Manchester City and Argentina have always been related to one player, a player who only ever arrived at our club due to his enigmatic personality. Associations which were perhaps only ever going to end in tears.
But this isn't about him.
Deeper within the heart of the squad lies another bond with the South American land. In 2008 Mark Hughes brought Pablo Zabaleta to Manchester (adding to an impressive number of players who are still crucial to our current success). Relatively unknown in England until his arrival, City fans instantly warmed to Pablo and his committed style. When Roberto Mancini took the reigns it looked to many as if Zabaleta could be heading towards the end of his City career, but typical of the man and truly representative of his character, he battled away and fought for his place in the team and became a vital player in our most successful season for thirty-five years - notably producing possibly the best full back performance I have ever seen from a City player away at the Emirates. Similarly he was left out of the last competitive Argentina squad only to show the manager exactly what he can do and force himself into the Copa America side this year.
The attitudes of our two Argentinian representatives couldn't differ more. Whilst on the pitch they both give 100% and fight for everything, it is so refreshing to see Pablo come off the field and conduct himself in exactly the same way. How many other first team players would give up their holiday to go and watch the youth team play?
So what is pushing him closer towards becoming a club legend? despite the obvious passion, commitment and dedication, coupled with his slight northern accent and inevitability of stud related stitches every week - Pablo is very close to signing a contract extension which will see him stay at the club until 2014. Signing an extension at a club with so much ambition is always risky, the money is there and if you don't perform then a replacement will soon be on the way. This obviously doesn't intimidate 'Zaba' and his ambition closely matches that of the club.
With another Argentinian likely to be arriving very soon, I'd say Pablo definately gave him the thumbs up regarding everything connected to the club.
