Brazilian says he is “breathing football again” and reveals he wanted to leave last summer but couldn’t seal a move
Brazil goalkeeper Ederson has revealed he was ready to leave Manchester City long before his eventual transfer to Fenerbahce this summer, saying that frustration and repeated injuries had left him unhappy at the club.
The 32-year-old admitted he wanted to move away from the Etihad Stadium last summer but talks at the time did not lead to an exit.
“In the season before this one, I had already tried to leave, but it didn’t work out,” Ederson said. “I think that influenced my performance during the season a little. I had five injuries and wasn’t at my best. That affected me a little.”
The Brazil international ended an eight-year stay at City in July, joining Fenerbahce in a deal worth around £12m. His spell in Manchester was one of the most successful in Premier League history, with six league titles, one Champions League trophy, and an overall silverware count of 18 since his arrival in 2017 from Benfica. He also won the Golden Glove award three times.
Ederson said the decision to leave the Etihad was all about finding happiness again.
“It was a decision I had already made with my family to talk to the club about leaving if they agreed,” said Ederson. “I needed this change. There’s no point in being at a giant, successful club if you’re not happy.
“It would have continued to affect me in the same way. It’s good to have new challenges in your life, in your career. With this change, I’m breathing football again, feeling the atmosphere at the games in Turkey, which is crazy. I’m very happy with this new challenge, eager to win.”
