President of China reveals interest in Manchester City during Keir Starmer chat | OneFootball

Manchester City have been named as a club of interest by Chinese leader President Xi Jinping when discussing football with UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.

The revelation offers insight into how deeply embedded the Premier League has become within global culture, with English football continuing to act as a powerful export for the United Kingdom.

Manchester City’s inclusion in such conversations underlines their growing international profile, built through sustained domestic success and regular presence in the latter stages of European competition, particularly under Pep Guardiola.

In recent years, City have expanded their footprint across Asia through commercial partnerships, pre-season tours, and the City Football Group, positioning itself as a major international brand capable of attracting attention far beyond traditional audiences.

This development also arrives at a time when Manchester City continue to feature heavily in worldwide football discourse, as involvement in major competitions, high-profile signings, and growing global recognition keeps them firmly in the international spotlight.

As per the Financial Times’ Political Editor George Parker, President of China Xi Jinping has been discussing football with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and revealed that he supports Manchester United.

However, he also went on to admit that he takes an interest in three other teams from the Premier League in Arsenal, Manchester City and Crystal Palace.

The comments add a unique dimension to City’s global status, showing that even at the highest political levels, Premier League clubs are subjects of personal interest and discussion.

For supporters, and having once been viewed as a largely domestic club, Manchester City are now clearly recognised on a stage that extends far beyond the pitch in an acknowledgement of recent dominance, Champions League success, and star-studded squads.

Looking ahead, international visibility can only strengthen Manchester City’s commercial and diplomatic presence in key markets such as China and Far-East Asia, with increased interest often translating into stronger brand engagement and new sponsorship opportunities.