New York’s iconic Yankee Stadium, usually reserved for baseball games, transformed into a soccer friendly pitch which saw Premier League champions fall 3-2 to AC Milan who had Super Eagles star Sam Chukwueze in their ranks.
The pre-season friendly left an indelible mark on both clubs and their fans, with the match’s momentum swinging back and forth as Erling Haaland struck Man. City ahead in the 19th minute only to be answered by Lorenzo Colombo’s clinical brace for Milan before half-time.
Both teams surprised fans at the half by switching to their new kits, shedding their familiar kits. When they emerged for the second half, it was a sight to behold: Manchester City leaving with their new sky blue home thread and retuning for the second half in the newly released burgundy third Kit. Bold and unconventional, it symbolized change and innovation.
AC Milan on their part unveiled their never-before-seen away kit for the 2024/25 season— a classy white strip with black accents. It exuded elegance and freshness. This jersey swap wasn’t mere fashion, it was part of The “City and Milan for Change” Initiative.
The clubs are collaborating on an initiative that inspires young footballers in the New York area, auctioning off the match-worn kits for charity and giving the sport deeper meaning.
James McAtee restored parity in the game for Man. City just before the hour mark but Marco Nasti scored the winner for Milan with 12 minutes left on the clock.
The result leaves Pep Guardiola’s side with two losses in two pre-season games having also tasted a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Scottish champions Celtic.
Check out how proceedings went in New York in the highlights below.