Pep Guardiola hired surgeon to try and save my Man City career - now I've been snubbed in cup final

When Daniel Arzani signed for Manchester City from Melbourne City in the summer of 2018, the world was seemingly at his feet.

Having just starred in the 2018 World Cup for Australia, becoming his country's youngest ever player in the competition, the then 19-year-old made the move to the Etihad Stadium and was widely considered one of the finest young talents in world football.

Pep Guardiola described Arzani as a 'special' talent and although he was shipped off to Celtic on a two-year loan deal, the future was bright for the Iranian born youngster in Manchester.

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There was excitement about Arzani's development under the tutelage of Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers but just two appearances into his stint in Glasgow, disaster struck.

Arzani suffered an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury that ruled him out for over a year and a crucial period in his development had been missed.

Such was Guardiola's faith in Arzani, he insisted his surgery was done by Dr Ramon Cugat in Barcelona, the doctor they also turned to for knee surgeries for Vincent Kompany and Kevin De Bruyne.

He eventually returned to fitness in 2020 but he never could reach the level to force his way into Celtic's plans.

Indifferent loan spells Utrecht, AGF Aarhus and Lommel followed but he was unable to realise the potential City saw in him.

Four years after joining Guardiola's side, Arzani was back in Australia signing for Macarthur FC on a free transfer. He helped his new side win the Australian Cup in 2022 and looked like he had got back in track in his