Akanji details problem with City's 'Oasis' kit - 'I thought it was Bernardo!'

Manuel Akanji has admitted he struggled to pick out his team-mates while wearing Manchester City's 'Oasis' kit.

City debuted the new fourth strip for their opening Champions League clash against Inter Milan on Wednesday. The two 2023 finalists played out a goalless draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Some excitement came from City's new kits, which have been designed by Noel Gallagher to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Oasis' debut album 'Definitely Maybe'. The shirts are mainly yellow with light blue detailing on the sleeves.

But Akanji has now revealed that the kits caused unexpected problems for City's players. He has disclosed that while he likes the shirt, the colours caused him to mixed up Bernando Silva with the assistant referee, with officials wearing fluorescent yellow jerseys.

"I like it a lot. I'd seen it already before I was at the shoot when we did it for Puma. One action I got confused with the referee on the sideline, I thought it was Bernardo (Silva) so I passed the ball to him," he told beIN Sports.

"But otherwise, I like the kit a lot and I'm looking forward to playing more in it. It’s difficult to play against Inter. They are a very good team, they defend well and leave very little space. It’s not coincidence we faced them in the final.

"Last year they went out early but they have shown that they play excellent football. We were alright, obviously wanted the three points, but in the end, the game turned out alright."

Both Noel and Liam Gallagher are fans of City and the 'Definitely City' kit will be worn in select Champions League games over the course of the season. Having been the inspiration behind it, Noel admitted it was an honour to get so involved with his boyhood club.

“It’s a proper honour. When the guys from Puma approached us at one of the games, I took about five seconds to agree to it. It’s the same colour palette as the cover of Definitely Maybe," he told City Studios.

"I think it’s unique, but it’s definitely striking and I think it looks great. When you see people represent your Club, it’s important that they look good. Definitely Maybe has never lost its magic to me. I just think it’s an amazing snapshot of what we were about.

“With the anniversary, I’ve been listening to it a lot more than I would ever listen to it. You know, it makes me smile. They were great times. Really, really great. I mean, it’s spawned a great football kit. So its legacy lives on.”

City will be back in their traditional sky blue home kit on Sunday when they host Premier League title rivals Arsenal in their biggest game of the season so far.