Manchester City’s pre-Sheikh Mansour era is coming to an end

With a number of Pep Guardiola’s outcasts set to depart the Etihad Stadium this summer, Shoot! take a look at the three remaining squad players from the pre-Sheikh Mansour era.

The three players that, in our eyes at least, are destined to go down as club legends. They epitomise what it means to be classed as a club legend, winning the hearts of Blues everywhere with their passion, pride and love for this club.

Signed back in 2006, and although not a part of Pep’s plans, long-standing City goalkeeper Joe Hart is one of the three remaining players from before the Mansour takeover. Well, for at least another month or two.

Charles Joseph John Hart amassed over 348 appearances for The Citizens, winning four Golden Glove awards during his journey. His goalkeeping displays have been desperately missed this season, in what has been a truly awful year for our ‘keepers.

Hart is spending the 2016-17 season on loan at Torino.

Being the only English player out of the three, the City stopper displayed some world-class goalkeeping during his time in Sky Blue. Unfortunately, Hart is unlikely to play for City again, unless Guardiola can swallow his pride, and his commanding presence in goal and love for this club will be hugely missed.

Next, the Belgianmidfielder from Hamburg, Vincent Kompany. Signing by Mark Hughes in 2008, the defensive midfielder was moved to centre-back and quickly established himself as one of the best defenders in the world, let alone the Premier League.

Almost a decade later, after numerous superstars have come and gone, our rock in defence has remained, displaying professionalism and class throughout every step of his City career.

Long-term injuries have plagued the Belgian’s career, but having returned to the starting XI in recent weeks, Kompany has steadied the tumultuous City defence like only Vinny can, warranting the skipper another season in Sky Blue.

Since his return, Vinny has proved just how much he can still do for the club. But fans are becoming increasingly concerned about how the club will ever replace him, both as a fantastic defender, but more importantly, as a captain.

The final of our stalwart trio, Pablo Zabaleta. He has put his life on the line for City throughout his fantastic career.

Zabaleta.

Often seen sporting bloodied bandages on his head, the Argentinian has long been a fan favourite within the blue half of Manchester.

I remember my grandparents describing him as ‘absolutely useless’ after watching his debut back in 2008. I’m so glad they were wrong! Zaba has epitomised the art of no-nonsense defending, leaving everything he can on the pitch, no-one could ever question his desire for this club.

Regardless of where he goes and who he plays for, Zabaleta will be a City legend for a long, long time. Also, did you know he’s harder than Jaap Stam?

Whatever happens from here on in, this trio will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of the Blues everywhere.