- Abdukodir Khusanov returned to Uzbekistan ahead of World Cup qualifiers
- The defender arrived home for the first time since signing for Manchester City
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Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov received a lavish new Mercedes as he was given a hero’s welcome on his return to Uzbekistan.
The 21-year-old returned to his homeland ahead of their crunch matches during the international break.
Khusanov arrived in the capital city Tashkent, before visiting his family and his former coach Ulugbek Asonboev.
On his arrival, Khusanov was presented with the keys to a new Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which is valued at £135,000.
He received the gift from Asonboev, who had been the first coach of Khusanov’s career in Uzbekistan.
The defender, who appeared emotional after receiving the gift, then took the wheel of his new car.
Abdukodir Khusanov was gifted a £135,000 Mercedes on his return to Uzbekistan this week
The Man City star was presented with the car by his first coach back in Uzbekistan
Khusanov’s received the gift following the 21-year-old’s rise to sign for Man City in January
The gift follows Khusanov becoming the first player from Uzbekistan to sign for a Premier League club.
Khusanov completed a £34million move from French side Lens to join Man City in the January transfer window.
The defender has already made eight appearances for the reigning Premier League champions.
He also scored his first goal for the club in Man City’s 2-1 FA Cup fourth round victory over Leyton Orient.
The defender had begun his career at Bunyodkor in Uzbekistan before joining Energetik-BGU in Belarus.
His rise continued with a move to Ligue 1 side Lens and then Man City.
Khusanov will be crucial for Uzbekistan’s hopes of attempting to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time.
Uzbekistan currently lie second in their six-nation qualification group, which would automatically earn a berth at next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
With four rounds remaining in the third round of Asian qualifying, Uzbekistan hold a three point lead over third placed United Arab Emirates.
Uzbekistan face Kyrgyzstan in their latest World Cup qualifier on Thursday, before meeting group leaders Iran on March 25.
