Ali Amr Al Marooqui, a member of the Special Olympics UAE team, said: “I want to thank everyone who prepared this amazing surprise for us. No one was expecting that this would happen and we would get to play alongside the Manchester City team. It was an unforgettable moment for every one of us and it will give us a big push as we prepare to compete at the MENA Games this week.”
De Bruyne said: “Surprising the Special Olympic UAE team on the pitch and giving them some coaching was something the team loved doing. They are inspirational and we all wish them and the rest of the athletes taking part in the regional games in Abu Dhabi the very best of luck this week.”
Mohammed al Goaas, a member of the Special Olympics UAE team, said the possibility of seeing the Manchester City team had been discussed.
“When we arrived at Emirates Palace a teammate said that it would happen but no-one believed him. It was a really big surprise, and now we have to give our best at the MENA Games this week for everyone who has supported us and made things like this possible.”