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Manchester City legend Georgi Kinkladze says he would love to play in the current team under boss Pep Guardiola.

The Georgian playmaker is a cult hero among Blues supporters for his exploits in a struggling team in the mid-to-late 1990s.

He lit up an otherwise wretched part of the club's history with his mazy runs and incredible goals as they tumbled down the divisions.

However, the 45-year-old says he is now dazzled when watching City's current crop of stars, who made history securing 100 points on their way to the Premier League title last season.

Kinkladze still lives in Tiblisi in his native Georgia but his eldest son lives in Knutsford and he is a regular visitor to the Etihad during his trips back to the UK.

And in a rare interview he was gushing when asked if he enjoyed watching the Blues brand of football under their revolutionary coach.

He told the M.E.N: "Of course. Big time.

"I wish I played in this team."

(Image: Joel Goodman)

A debate has raged among City fans online recently about whether Kinkladze in his pomp would get into City's current squad.

"Easily," he joked tongue firmly in cheeky when asked the question on every fan's lips.

"Seriously it's not up to me to answer this question.

"But I would love to play with Guardiola. The way they play, with the players now City have, I would love to.

"I love David Silva of course, he is a top, top player. I also love Aguero and De Bruyne.

"All the midfielders and strikers are so, so good, it is amazing to watch and it would be so easy to play with them. The one-twos, the link play would be amazing."

Kinkladze now describes himself as a City fan and says the Premier League title win in 2012, the club's first in 44 years was just as special for him as it was for every other Blue.

He added: "It was the best moment for me. After the memories I have, of going down.

"For the fans it was the best, and I am like a fan now.

"So it was a really great day for me and for the City fans also."

(Image: Daily Mirror)

And he is backing his former side to become the first side to retain the Premier League title in a decade.

Speaking ahead of the vital win against Spurs at Wembley when asked if City will be Champions again he said: "I think so. I watch now and maybe the league will be close with Liverpool, that is my opinion but I think City will do it."

However he was slightly less optimistic on their chances in the Champions League, despite City being seen by many as favourites.

"To be fair, with the Champions League because they don't have the experience much, I think they are a little bit struggling.

"I think they will get there. But right now I don't see it, I am sorry to say, I think they need more."

(Image: Joel Goodman)

Fans queued around the block to meet their hero who was signing shirts and posters at a special event at the Classic Football Shirts pop-up shop in the Barton Arcade last night.

He met dozens of adoring City fans including one who had named his young son after him.

And the hero known affectionately as Gio says he still loves the warmth he receives from the Blues faithful.

"It has been very good, I feel very happy.

"It still surprises me. But often I come to Manchester and still i feel the love and respect from them (the City fans).

"And I appreciate that of course.

"I live in Tiblisi but but my eldest son lives here in Knutsford so I am often coming over to see him, and see my friends here, go to the game when City play at home. So everything is good in this moment."

The Classic Football Shirts pop-up shop is open in Barton Arcade, off Deansgate, in Manchester city centre until Sunday December 23.