The Argentina full-back became one of our most popular players in the eight years he represented the Club.
He played 333 times for City, scoring 12 goals and received numerous bumps, bruised and broken noses as he put his body on the line time and time again.
Having recently done some promotional work for City in Buenos Aires, Zaba admitted he misses the camaraderie and banter he shared with his team-mates during his time with the Blues.
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“I really miss the atmosphere in the dressing room with the lads,” he said.
“Turning up for training, eating in the canteen after training - the social part of football is the thing I used to enjoy the most.
“I also miss playing on the field in front of the City fans, but when you’re in the last years of your career, it’s tough, especially in the first few months or year after retiring,
“I suppose above all, though, I was missing the atmosphere in the dressing room the most.”
Zaba continued his career at West Ham after leaving City before announcing his retirement during the 2019/20 campaign.
Now living in Spain, he admits the upside of retirement is having plenty of family time – something that was difficult when he was playing.
“It’s been nearly two years now since I retired,” he said.
“I’m pleased and happy to have a connection with the Club.
“I’m living in Barcelona since I left Manchester. It’s special and it’s good.
“I’ve also been doing some punditry work as well. I’m enjoying the free time I have to spend with my family.
“As a footballer you don’t get proper time to do that with the kids. That’s what I’ve done in these past two years.
“Especially in England, playing on Boxing Day and New Year, you don’t get the proper time to spend with loved ones.
“You have to play four or five games in that period so it’s all about training.
“People like to celebrate New Year with a few drinks but you can’t because you have to stay professional.
“I’m a big fan of Boxing Day. I enjoyed playing then. The only time was June when you get a few weeks of holiday, but that’s it.
“It’s all about playing every three days.
“When you stop playing, it’s the moment that you can spend more time with them.”
