Former Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has broken his silence on his summer departure, admitting he engineered his own exit after eight trophy-filled years at the Etihad Stadium.
The Brazilian shot-stopper completed a £12million transfer to Turkish giants Fenerbahce during the recent window, ending a period where he made 372 appearances for the Premier League champions.
The Decision to Seek New Challenges
Ederson, now 32, revealed this wasn't his first attempt to leave the club. He had actually tried to secure a move away from Manchester City twelve months earlier, but the transfer failed to materialise.
"In a previous season I had already tried to leave, but it didn't work out," Ederson confessed. "I think that influenced my performance a bit during the season. I had five injuries and wasn't at my highest possible level."
The goalkeeper explained that his inconsistent form during the previous campaign was directly linked to his frustrated attempts to leave, highlighting the mental toll the situation took on him.
Prioritising Happiness Over Trophies
Despite winning 18 major trophies during his time in Manchester, Ederson emphasised that personal happiness ultimately trumped continued success at a "giant club."
"It was a decision I had already made with my family to talk to the club about leaving if we agreed," he said. "I needed this change. There's no point in being at a giant, winning club if you're not happy. That would continue to affect me in the same way."
His position had become increasingly uncertain at City, with backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega occasionally displacing him last season. The club further signalled their intentions by re-signing English goalkeeper James Trafford for £27million in July.
City's Goalkeeping Reshuffle and Legacy
Manchester City moved quickly to replace their long-serving goalkeeper, investing £26million in Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain. The 26-year-old Italian was immediately installed as first choice, casting doubt over Trafford's future at the club.
Reflecting on his departure, Ederson stated: "All cycles come to an end, players come and go, but the club always remains. I had eight wonderful years wearing the City shirt and won 18 titles, but I needed this change and a change of scenery."
Ederson, whose exceptional footwork revolutionised goalkeeping in English football, has taken his winning mentality to Turkey. "When Fenerbahce came along, I embraced it," he said. "I still have the same mentality, I continue doing my off-field work, just like I did at City with my physical trainer. I still have the winning mentality that I had at City and Benfica, and I want to win at Fenerbahce too."
