Manchester City honours Aleksandar Kolarov with number 11 shirt

Manchester City honoured Aleksandar Kolarov before its friendly against Inter in Hong Kong. Former City goalkeeper Willy Caballero presented him with a shirt carrying number 11.

Kolarov wore that number during seven seasons in Manchester. He attended the match as a member of Inter's coaching staff under Cristian Chivu.

A friendly brought Kolarov's two clubs together

Manchester City and Inter met during their summer programme in Hong Kong. The fixture connected two important periods from Kolarov's playing career.

City arranged the presentation before the match. Caballero delivered the shirt and greeted his former teammate beside the pitch.

The number 11 was printed on the back. It was the number most closely associated with Kolarov during his years in England.

Kolarov accepted the gift while wearing Inter staff clothing. He now works as an assistant rather than preparing to play.

The brief ceremony gave supporters a direct reminder of his time at City. It did not interrupt the sporting purpose of the friendly.

Both clubs then continued their preseason work. Kolarov moved back to the Inter technical area with the commemorative shirt.

Kolarov joined Manchester City in 2010. He remained with the club until 2017 and played during its first major modern successes.

The Serbian defender made 247 appearances in all competitions. He scored 21 goals, many from free kicks or powerful long-range shots.

City won two Premier League titles during his stay. Kolarov also collected the FA Cup and two League Cups.

He played mainly at left back but also operated higher on the flank. His delivery gave City an attacking route from wide positions.

Several managers used him across changing squads. Kolarov remained a regular option while the club added new players and raised its expectations.

Aleksandar Kolarov raises his arms while wearing Manchester City's number 13 shirt.

The shirt presentation recognised that completed record. It referred to years of matches and trophies rather than one isolated appearance.

Inter later became another important part of his career

Kolarov returned to Italy after later playing for Roma. He joined Inter in 2020 and stayed until the end of his playing career.

His Inter period lasted two seasons. The role included experience within a squad competing for domestic honours.

Retirement did not remove him from the sport. Kolarov moved toward coaching and joined Chivu's staff at Inter.

The Hong Kong friendly placed him opposite Manchester City in a new role. He represented Inter from the technical area.

Chivu and Kolarov both understand Italian football from long playing careers. Their current work focuses on preparing the team rather than personal performance.

City acknowledged Kolarov without ignoring that present position. The gesture happened before a match against his current employer.

Number 11 is often worn by an attacking player. Kolarov made it recognisable from left back through his direct running and powerful shooting.

His free kicks remain among the most replayed moments from his City years. The goals supported a broader record built through regular defensive work.

Caballero's role added another personal link. The goalkeeper shared a dressing room with Kolarov and understood the period being recognised.

The presentation was simple and specific. One shirt, one number and two former teammates represented seven seasons at the club.

Kolarov's career now continues through coaching. His return to City's company happened while working with another major European team.

The Hong Kong meeting joined his past and present without confusing them. Manchester City honoured a former player, while Inter retained an assistant coach.

The presentation recognised a completed seven-year record

Kolarov joined City from Lazio in 2010 and remained until 2017. That period covered the club's first modern Premier League titles.

He played at left-back and also appeared farther forward when required. His powerful free kicks became one of his most recognisable qualities.

The number 11 shirt followed him throughout those seasons. Presenting the same number made the tribute specific to his City career.

Caballero added a direct link to the dressing room from that period. The two players had shared several seasons in Manchester.

Kolarov later returned to Italian football with Roma and Inter. He ended his playing career after his time with Inter.

His current coaching role brought him back beside the pitch in Hong Kong. He attended as a member of Inter's staff rather than a former player visiting alone.

The friendly brought together three stages of Kolarov's career. City honoured his past, while he represented Inter in his current role.