Former Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has reflected on his decision to part ways with the Blues in the recent transfer window.
The 32-year-old joined Fenerbahce in the summer after Pep Guardiola, with the help of new sporting director Hugo Viana, bought Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain and Burnley respectively.
It marked the end of eight successful years in England for Ederson who made 372 appearances in all competitions for the club, winning six Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League crown among 18 major honours.
Two months after leaving, Ederson has returned to the Brazil squad to mark his first international call-up since his summer move as Carlo Ancelottis side prepare for friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia.
In a new interview with Globo Esporte, the Brazil international has looked back on his decorated time at the Etihad Stadium and opened up on his decision to leave Manchester City on the final day of the September transfer window.
I had eight wonderful years wearing Citys shirt and I won 18 trophies, but I needed some fresh air, Ederson told , translated by Sport Witness.
Ederson was a highly-talented sweeper keeper for Guardiolas side and operated outside of his own penalty area at times, using his revolutionary distribution to alter the shape and style of how modern goalkeepers play.
Often sought as an outfield player in the body of a shot-stopper, Edersons progression since joining from Benfica in 2017 has grown alongside his winners medal collection, courtesy of his time at the Etihad Stadium.
Upon reflection, Ederson said he felt it was simply time for a change after his successful time at City, adding that his move wasnt about lowering his standards but rather renewing his motivation.
All cycles come to an end, players come and go and the club always stays, he added. When Fenerbahce appeared, I embraced it.
Ive kept the same mentality and work routine that I had at City. I still want to win. I did it at City and Benfica and I want to do it at Fenerbahce too.
Ederson has also revealed that he attempted to leave City in the 2023-24 season due to injuries and a sense of dissatisfaction but stayed longer than he intended to.
That affected my performance a bit, the goalkeeper said, when looking back on not being able to leave in the summer of 2024. I had five injuries and wasnt at my best level. Its no use being at a great club if youre not happy.
It is safe to say Manchester City have more than made amends for the departure of Ederson with their stellar acquisitions of Donnarumma and Trafford, with the former establishing himself as first-choice and the latter learning day-in and day-out from the Italy international.