‘I wasn’t happy’: Ederson opens up on struggles before Man City departure
Brazil goalkeeper Ederson has revealed he tried to leave Manchester City a year before his eventual departure, admitting that a difficult spell with injuries left him feeling unhappy at the Premier League champions.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Brazil’s friendly against Senegal, the 32-year-old reflected on his decision to join Fenerbahçe during the summer in a deal worth around £12 million, bringing an end to an eight-year stay in Manchester that delivered 18 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
“In the season before, I had already tried to leave, but it didn’t work out,” Ederson told reporters. “I think that influenced my performances a little. I had five injuries and wasn’t at my best.”
The Brazilian said those struggles ultimately pushed him to make a clean break, describing his move to Turkey as the “fresh start” he needed.
“It was a decision I had already made with my family to speak with the club about leaving if they agreed,” he continued. “There’s no point being at a giant, successful club if you’re not happy. It would have continued to affect me in the same way.”
Ederson added that his new chapter in Istanbul has reignited his passion for the game:
“It’s good to have new challenges in life and in your career. With this change, I’m breathing football again feeling the atmosphere in Turkey, which is crazy. I’m very happy and eager to win.”
Since joining from Benfica in 2017, Ederson became one of City’s most decorated players, winning the Premier League Golden Glove three times and playing a key role in Pep Guardiola’s era of dominance.
Brazil, meanwhile, are preparing for Saturday’s friendly having already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a 1–0 win over Paraguay in June extending their record as the only nation to appear at every edition of the tournament.
