Arsenal and Manchester City are currently considered fierce rivals in football, but there exists a deep-seated bond between the two clubs, evident in the camaraderie among players and staff members.
Despite being on opposing sides on the field, players like Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish share close friendships.
Moreover, there are historical connections between the coaching staff, with Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta having previously collaborated.
Interestingly, both Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, now at Arsenal, previously played for Manchester City. When asked to choose between the two by ESPN, Bernardo Silva expressed his difficulty, highlighting his affection and close relationship with both players.
Although Silva emphasized the friendship between Jesus and Zinchenko, the competitive nature of football means they must set aside their personal ties when facing each other on the pitch.
While they may socialize off the field, their focus remains on achieving their respective team’s objectives during the season.
The ongoing competition between Manchester City and Arsenal gains added intrigue due to the familiarity and relationships between the players, adding an extra layer of intensity to their encounters.