Former Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has made a startling admission about his final years at the Etihad Stadium, revealing he attempted to leave the Premier League champions before his eventual departure to Fenerbahce this summer.
The Decision to Leave Manchester City
The Brazilian shot-stopper enjoyed eight highly successful years in Manchester, collecting an impressive 18 team trophies including six Premier League titles and one Champions League crown under manager Pep Guardiola.
However, despite the silverware-filled spell, Ederson confessed that unhappiness and persistent injury problems led him to seek an exit from the club.
"In a previous season I had already tried to leave, but it didn't work out," the goalkeeper revealed. "I think that influenced my performance during the season a little. I had five injuries and wasn't at my best."
Injury Woes and Family Decision
Ederson's final two seasons at City were particularly plagued by fitness issues, with the player missing 12 games last term after being sidelined for 111 days the previous season with various problems.
The Brazilian explained how his physical struggles combined with his desire for change affected his mindset at the club.
"That affected me a little," Ederson admitted. "It was a decision I had already made with my family to talk to the club about leaving if they agreed. I needed this change."
He added emphatically: "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."
New Challenge in Turkey
Ederson's departure became inevitable following Manchester City's acquisition of Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who replaced him as the club's number one choice.
The transfer window saw Ederson complete a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce, where he's already embracing his new environment despite an early muscular problem that ruled him out for two weeks in October.
"It's good to have new challenges in your life, in your career," Ederson said. "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."
The goalkeeper now returns to international duty with Brazil in optimistic mood, with the national team having secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup and preparing for an international friendly against Senegal on Saturday.
