Oleksandr Zinchenko was 'bullied like a little brother' by Man City players at full-time

Oleksandr Zinchenko was 'bullied like the little brother' by his former Manchester City teammates on his return to the Etihad Stadium.

The Ukraine international came on as a substitute as City beat Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round clash between the Premier League's top two.

Nathan Ake scored the only goal of the game in the 64th minute after some fine play from Jack Grealish in the area.

Zinchenko, who was extremely well liked by City players and supporters, received a brilliant reception when he came on in the second half moments after the hosts took the lead.

The inverted left-back immediately got on the ball and got Arsenal playing, bringing their creative players into the game and quickening the tempo.

He had some feisty battles with his old colleagues and was booked for pulling down Kyle Walker. Passionate as ever, the 26-year-old was gutted with the defeat and looked stone-faced when the full-time whistle was blown, but City players messed with him like he was the youngest sibling.

Walker, captain Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo all grabbed Zinchenko, who was eventually in good spirits after shoving them away

The four-time Premier League winner swapped shirts with Walker before heading down the tunnel.

And fans couldn't get enough of the hilarity, which still showed how much City players love him even after he left in the summer.

One user wrote: "Zinchenko fuming and the City players just laughing in his face."

Another said: "If I could have any player back it would be this man! Warrior, team player and leader also a very good footballer!"

A third added: "Nice to see the boys tormenting Zinchenko and then laughing at him. The scenes we all want to see."

A fourth opined: "Man City players still love Zinchenko so much. They know what they miss in the dressing room."

A fifth joked: "Manchester City players bullying their last born Zinchenko who is now living with their Grandma."

Zinchenko was allowed to leave City in order to get regular game-time and is vying to win a third consecutive title with two different sides.

Featured Image Credit: ITV

Topics: Oleksandr Zinchenko, Manchester City, Arsenal, FA Cup

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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