Man City to welcome back club great ahead of Fulham clash along with pre-match Brazilian celebrations

Manchester City are set to welcome fan favourite Elano to the Etihad this weekend ahead of the club’s clash against Fulham.

The ex-Brazilian midfielder, who made 80 appearances for City across two seasons at the club, will be back for the Blues’ ‘O dia da Bahia’ celebrations. The festivities are in recognition of City’s new sister club Bahia, who play in Brazil’s top tier. City Football Group purchased a 90 percent stake in the club in May.

As part of Saturday’s celebrations there will be music from Carlinhos Brown, one of the club’s most prominent fans in Brazil. A Dama and O Maestro and Corridor of Timbaleiros will also be playing before the game, while tokens of Bahian culture, including the famous Lord of Bonfim ribbons will be handed out to fans.

Via their website, City said: “Bringing together football and music, the festivities will celebrate Bahia’s unique identity and welcome the newest club into the City Football Group family. Other Bahian traditions will be on display at the stadium including a capoeira presentation and the Bahia mascots who will join City’s mascots Moonchester and Moonbeam.”

As for Elano, he will be pitchside before the clash with Fulham and will be interviewed by club media.

A win for City over Fulham would see Pep Guardiola’s side continue their 100 percent start to the season, following wins over Burnley, Newcastle United and Sheffield United. Summer signings Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes could also make their debuts for the club. As for Fulham, they have picked up four points from the opening three matches of the campaign.