Pablo Zabaleta has had a stadium named after in his home town following his World Cup exploits.

The City hero attended a ceremony earlier this week in which he was also given the title of “Distinguished Citizen” of Arrecifes.

The decision to honour Zabaleta had already been made before he helped Argentina to the World Cup final, following his Premier League and League Cup-winning double with the Blues.

In an announcement, the mayor of Arrecifes said that Zabaleta’s honour was “not only fair but necessary due recognition to a citizen who is the pride of his neighbours due to his sacrifice, behaviour and values, and who has given his life to his sport and is an example for children and youth.

“He has shown us that when you follow a path with conviction and firmness, any dream is possible.”

He was paraded through the town before a reception at the town hall, where the honour was bestowed, and the municipal stadium renamed the Pablo Zabaleta Stadium.

He later tweeted: “Heartfelt thanks to everyone in the town for a great reception in Arrecifes. I am proud to have been declared a Distinguished Citizen.

“Another special occasion that fills my heart with joy is that the municipal stadium in the town of Arrecifes will bear my name.”

MORE:

MORE:

MORE:

Zabaleta began his playing career playing for one of the world’s less glamorously-named clubs, Atletico Obras Sanitarias de Arrecifes, which roughly translates as Arrecifes Waterworks Athletic – a fitting start for a no-nonsense player.

The Blues take on Heart of Midlothian on Friday night in a match to commemorate the centenary of the main stand at Tynecastle.

Based just down the road at St Andrew’s, the Blues will again split the match to ensure their squad gets valuable pitch time.

None of their World Cup players have yet joined up with the squad, but full-back Gael Clichy, who missed the 2-0 defeat at Dundee on Sunday, is expected to get some game time.

* REPORTS from Sweden suggest that Russian club Dinamo Moscow have made a bid for 22-year-old City striker John Guidetti.

The Swede is with the first team squad at their pre-season training camp in Scotland, and Manuel Pellegrini wants to take a look at his progress before any decision is taken on his future.

* CITY have three youngsters involved in the European Under-19 Championships that begin in Hungary today.

With England failing to qualify, the Blues are represented by Portuguese starlets Marcos Lopes and Jorge Intima, while Sinan Bytyqi is in the Austria squad.

* CITY have announced a deal with Nissan to become its first global sponsor.

The Blues first went into partnership with the Japanese company two months ago when City Football Group (CFG) bought stakes in J-League side Yokohama F Marinos.

And Nissan have now been named as the club’s official automotive sponsor.

It means Nissan electric vehicles will be used at the City Football Academy when it opens, the logo will be seen on the back of the City Women’s shirt.