‘I thought it was Bernardo’ – Manuel Akanji reveals major problem with Man City’s new Oasis tribute kit after Champions League draw with Inter

City kicked off their 2024/25 Champions League campaign at the Etihad Stadium, facing off against Inter, in an exclusive new fourth jersey which pays homage to legendary Manchester band Oasis. Fronted by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, Oasis have been a significant part of the city’s cultural identity, and their deep connection to City Football Club has been well-documented.

• AFP

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The new kit is part of a larger celebration of Oasis’ 30th anniversary since the release of their iconic debut album Definitely Maybe and since they are reuniting again in 2025, Puma have designed a special edition kit named the “Definitely City” kit. This jersey will be worn by the club in select Champions League matches throughout the season. However, the similarity in the colours apparently made it tricky for Akanji to distinguish between his team-mate and the match official, with the defender ending up passing the ball to the linesman.

• • WHAT AKANJI SAID

    Speaking to beIN SPORTS, Akanji said: “I like it a lot. I’d seen it already before I was at the shoot when we did it for Puma. One action I got confused with the referee on the sideline, I thought it was Bernardo (Silva) so I passed the ball to him. But otherwise, I like the kit a lot and I’m looking forward to playing more in it.”

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Noel Gallagher is also excited about the collaboration.

    “It’s a proper honour,” he told City Studios. “When the guys from Puma approached us at one of the games, I took about five seconds to agree to it.”

    • Getty Images Sport

      WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

      City will be back in action on Sunday against Arsenal in a blockbuster Premier League clash. The fixture will be held at Etihad and it is expected that Pep Guardiola’s men will don their familiar sky blue strip instead of the fourth jersey.