I Am No Longer Interested in Manchester City – I Want to Test Another League
For the past seven years, I have worn the Manchester City badge with pride, standing between the posts and contributing to one of the greatest football dynasties of the modern era. Under Pep Guardiola, we have achieved everything a footballer could dream of—Premier League titles, FA Cups, Carabao Cups, and, most importantly, the UEFA Champions League.
However, football is a journey, and every journey must evolve. After deep reflection, I have decided that the time has come for me to seek a new challenge. I am no longer interested in staying at Manchester City—I want to test another league.
A Legacy at Manchester City
Arriving from Benfica in 2017, I was eager to prove myself in England. The Premier League was known for its speed, intensity, and physicality, but I embraced the challenge. My ability to play out from the back, remain composed under pressure, and distribute the ball like an outfield player perfectly suited Guardiola’s tactical vision.
My first season ended with a record-breaking title win—100 points, the famous “Centurions” season. From there, City evolved into one of the most dominant teams in football history. Every year brought new battles, new victories, and new moments of glory.
Winning the treble in 2022–23 was the pinnacle. The Champions League had always been the elusive dream, the one trophy City fans longed for. To finally lift that trophy after defeating Inter Milan in Istanbul was indescribable. I felt like my mission was complete.
Yet, as seasons passed, I found myself wondering: what’s next?
The Desire for a New Challenge
Football is about constant growth. When you stay in one place for too long, even at a club as successful as Manchester City, you can start to feel comfortable. Comfort can be dangerous for an athlete. It removes the hunger, the fire, the drive that pushes us to improve.
I have seen other players take this leap—Cristiano Ronaldo moved from England to Spain to Italy and back, Zlatan Ibrahimović tested himself in multiple leagues, and Lionel Messi finally left Barcelona to experience something new. Even some of my closest teammates, like Ilkay Gündogan and Riyad Mahrez, have departed to explore new chapters in their careers.
I want to experience that for myself. I want to know how it feels to play in another top league, face different kinds of opponents, and adapt to a new culture.
Where Could I Go Next?
Several leagues intrigue me. Each offers a unique challenge and an opportunity to grow.
La Liga – Spain
Spain is a league that values technical ability and possession-based football. With my passing skills and comfort on the ball, I could seamlessly fit into a team like Barcelona or Real Madrid. Both clubs are global powerhouses, and experiencing the El Clásico atmosphere would be incredible.
Atletico Madrid could also be an interesting destination. Under Diego Simeone, they play a more defensive style, which would allow me to develop other aspects of my game.
Serie A – Italy
Italian football is a goalkeeper’s paradise. The league is historically known for producing and nurturing world-class goalkeepers, from Gianluigi Buffon to Samir Handanović. Playing in Italy would challenge my tactical understanding of defensive structures and improve my shot-stopping abilities.
AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus are legendary clubs, and I have always admired their histories. Napoli, the reigning champions, also present an exciting project with their passionate fanbase.
Bundesliga – Germany
The Bundesliga is a fast-paced, physically demanding league with a great emphasis on attacking football. Bayern Munich dominates, but Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig offer competitive alternatives. The challenge of playing in a high-intensity league with end-to-end football excites me.
Plus, German teams have a strong tradition of developing goalkeepers. Competing in such an environment could help refine my reflexes and distribution even further.
Ligue 1 – France
Paris Saint-Germain is an obvious choice, given their dominance in France and ambition in Europe. A move there would allow me to play alongside world-class stars while testing myself in a different tactical system.
However, Ligue 1 also has clubs like Marseille, Lyon, and Monaco that offer rich histories and strong competition. Playing in France would provide a new lifestyle experience, and the prospect of winning titles in a different country is appealing.
Saudi Pro League or MLS?
Recently, we’ve seen a trend of top players moving to Saudi Arabia for lucrative contracts and new experiences. Players like Karim Benzema, Neymar, and my former teammate Mahrez have already taken that route. Financially, the move would be enticing, but at this stage of my career, I still crave elite competition.
The MLS is another option, with its growing reputation and competitive nature. Following in the footsteps of players like Messi, Busquets, and Jordi Alba, I could help grow the league and experience football in a completely different way.
A Difficult Goodbye
Leaving Manchester City will not be easy. The fans, my teammates, the coaching staff, and the entire club have been my family for years. The memories we have created together will stay with me forever.
I am incredibly grateful to Pep Guardiola for believing in me, pushing me to be better, and trusting me with the responsibility of being City’s number one goalkeeper. His tactical genius has changed football, and being a part of his project has been an honor.
To my teammates, we have shared unforgettable moments—lifting trophies, celebrating last-minute winners, and fighting for every point. The friendships I have built here will last a lifetime.
To the fans, you have supported me through victories and defeats, through clean sheets and mistakes. Your passion makes this club special, and I will always hold City close to my heart.
The Next Chapter Awaits
Change is never easy, but it is necessary for growth. I have achieved everything I could dream of at Manchester City, and now I want to challenge myself in a new league, against new opponents, in a new environment.
Football has given me the opportunity to explore the world, and I want to embrace that fully. Whether it’s Spain, Italy, Germany, France, or beyond, I am ready for the next adventure.
Manchester City will always be a part of me, but my journey continues elsewhere. The time has come to take the leap.
Thank you, City. On to the next chapter.
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