City go Stateside for pre-season preparations

Manchester City will compete in the Herbalife World Football Challenge this summer as part of their preparations for next season.

The tournament, which was won by Chelsea in 2009 and has seen the likes of AC Milan and Inter Milan compete in the past, has grown in size and prestige during its three years and will have 11 teams competing this summer.

Juventus, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United are the other European teams traveling across the pond to compete, with the LA Galaxy a headline opponent for the Citizens.

David Beckham's move to the west coast club in America sent shockwaves through the football world four years ago, and he's since been followed into the MLS by French legend and former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.


 

Such transfers have seen the profile of 'soccer' rise in America, and City will be looking to leave their mark stateside when they take on the Galaxy, Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada and Club America of Mexico.

New England Revolution, Chicago Fire, Philadelphia Union and CD Guadalajara complete the tournament line-up, and the event promises to be an exciting build-up as Roberto Mancini's side head towards a Community Shield clash with rivals United.