Joleon Lescott has broken his silence over his £22m move to Manchester City, expressing regret over the acrimonious nature of his departure from Everton but defending his decision to seek a new challenge. The 27-year-old defender, now the third most expensive in history, spoke publicly for the first time since the transfer, addressing his strained relationship with manager David Moyes.
Lescott took issue with Moyes's claims that he had displayed a 'poor attitude', insisting the criticisms were 'inaccurate'. 'I haven't done anything different to what anyone in any other profession strives for,' he said. 'People want new challenges and to better themselves.' He acknowledged the disappointment of Everton fans, who felt betrayed after he signed a new contract 18 months ago, and offered an apology to 'anyone who feels let down by me.'
The defender's final weeks at Goodison Park were fraught, with Moyes dropping him from the first team and refusing to let him train with the squad. Lescott handed in a transfer request and said his goodbye was brief. 'I understand where he was coming from,' Lescott said of Moyes. 'If he had been more understanding, the club would think he wasn't the right manager.' He added that the pair spoke amicably on the day the deal was completed.
Meanwhile, Moyes confirmed he plans to reinvest the Lescott fee, targeting at least four new signings before the transfer window closes on Monday. 'I would be disappointed if we didn't get at least four, maybe more,' he told the club's website.
