Oleksandr Zinchenko is eager to be part of Manchester City‘s bid for greatness as he backed his brilliant Sky Blues to “get even better”.
The Etihad outfit added the FA Cup to their Premier League and League Cup successes with a stunning 6-0 win over Watford – matching the biggest ever victory in the competition, set in 1903.
Having completed a first-ever domestic treble in English football, boss Pep Guardiola has already outlined his intention to keep his side hungry for more honours next season.
And Zinchenko, in talks about a new contract, has seen that desire too among his team-mates.
“It’s been an unbelievable season, seriously, nothing more,” he told Sport360 exclusively.
“I can’t even describe this moment and I don’t think no one can do this again.
“We did an unbelievable job and we have made history, nothing can take that away from us.
“But I also see in this team the desire to do more. This is why we are Manchester City.
“We just have to show ourselves, our quality, in every single game for the future.
“We want to be the greatest team [in English football]. That’s the target and we just have to improve ourselves. Especially me, because I know I can get better.
“We are still learning to be honest and I think we can do even better.”
Incredible stats and incredible memories from an incredible season! ⚽️
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City have made a step forward since last season, where they won the League Cup and then the Premier League with a record 100 points, finishing 19 clear of second-placed Manchester United.
This season they sealed the title on the final day, pipping Liverpool by just one point after a titanic tussle.
“It’s difficult to compare both seasons,” added Zinchenko.
“Last season, to be fair, in the Premier League we won well before the season was over. Here, we were fighting until the end, until the last game.
“We had games every three days and it was so tough. The last couple of months it was like every game was a final and we could not lose. It was very tough but we did it. That shows our quality.”
Zinchenko has personally shown great resolve and character this season too. He was set to leave in the summer as Guardiola struggled to find a place for him in his squad.
But, despite a bid from Wolves, he kept the Ukraine international and it has proved a wise decision as the 22-year-old has been a revelation having stepped into the left-back role after Benjamin Mendy and Fabian Delph were sidelined.
Zinchenko, normally a midfielder, has suited City’s attacking style ever since he came into the side for the 6-0 win over Chelsea in February.
Our sincere #congratulations to 🇺🇦 footballer Oleksandr #ZINCHENKO - a brilliantly talented @ManCity player who became the 1st #Ukrainian to win @premierleague twice 🇺🇦🏆!! #Champion #EPL pic.twitter.com/ytnbBsKXQR
— Ukraine's Emb. to UK (@UkrEmbLondon) May 13, 2019
And, remarkably, they have won all 22 league games in which he has figured, starting with the 4-0 win over Swansea in December, 2017.
With a year left on his current contract, his displays are set to be rewarded with a new deal as Guardiola focuses on other areas to strengthen his squad rather than bring in another left back.
“It was a good record and I hope I’m a lucky charm,” he laughed. “I hope to keep it going next season.
“I want to take my game further, of course, and I feel I am ready. This is why I came here, this is why I am here, and this is where I want to play in the future.
“I am really enjoying my time in this team and to be playing. It’s a massive pleasure to be a part of this club so hopefully we will see what happens [with the contract]. I hope we can get better and I want to be part of this.”
