Etihad to sponsor Manchester City

Manchester City have confirmed a three-year, multimillion pound shirt sponsorship deal with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airlines. The deal ends a long association with Thomas Cook and cements a relationship founded through City's new owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group, who have invested in the Eastlands outfit since August last year. City will wear their new shirt for the first time in Cape Town, when they tackle the Orlando Pirates at the start of their three-match tour of South Africa in July. "These are exciting times at Manchester City as we look to build a world-class team and sustainable success on and off the field," said the executive chairman Garry Cook. "This partnership will play an integral role in our strategy." *PA Sport