Man City fan wins all-expenses trip to watch final home game

ABU DHABI // After a day of shopping at Marina Mall, a Manchester City football fan was delighted when he won tickets to the team's final home game of the season.

Mohammed Saleh al Minhali, 25, won tickets and an all-expenses-paid trip to watch the English Premier League match against Stoke City.

"When I found out that I had won, I was just so excited, as were my family and friends when I told them the news," said Mr al Minhali.

"As you can imagine, my friends offered to travel with me. I watch almost all Manchester City matches at home but, until now, have never had a chance to attend a match live at the stadium with all the noise and atmosphere. I am very much looking forward to it.

"I started supporting Manchester City when it was purchased by His Highness Sheikh Mansour, and now we are all hoping they keep winning and enter Europe in the Champions League next year."

CityStore in the mall launched the competition after opening in February. Anyone who bought a replica kit was entered into a draw, with the winner being chosen at random last week.

Mr al Minhali and a guest will fly courtesy of Etihad Airways to Manchester for the City match on May 18. A stay at the five-star Malmaison Hotel is included.

sbhattacharya@thenational.ae