Back in 1994, Manchester City didn’t have the finances or success they currently enjoy.
They couldn’t shop in the most expensive places when looking for new signings, and that saw them go for players they could get relatively cheaply.
In the case of Uwe Rosler, he arrived at City on trial, having to prove he was worthy of the club. Having done that and earned himself a contract, the striker went on to be a legend of that period.
Held in very high regard by many Manchester City fans over a certain age, Rosler is cherished just as much as some of the stars of the present, and he provided memories that won’t be forgotten for those who saw him at Maine Road.
Given the Premier League club are facing Borussia Monchengladbach this week in the Champions League, Bild have spoken to the now 52-year-old about his former club.
Asked about being in the club’s Hall of Fame, he said: “That makes me very proud. Besides Bert Trautmann, I’m the only German there. And that’s not the only reason why I still have very, very close contact with the club today.
“Man United was already the global club back then. City, on the other hand, was more of a local club for the people of Manchester, with the Maine Road stadium in the working-class Moss Side district. We didn’t play for titles back then, but we had great support from the fans.”
On the Etihad not managing to reflect the old atmosphere, Rosler explained it’s a wider issue: “It’s not just a problem for Man City, but for the entire Premier League. It is now just too expensive for families to go to the stadium. And of course our old stadium was built much closer, the standing fans much closer.”
Asked who he wants to win the match this week, there was only one answer: “My heart belongs to Man City, that’s why I keep my fingers crossed for the blues. But Gladbach is also having a good season – anything is possible in a knockout round!”
