Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has admitted that he considered leaving the club before agreeing to a two-year contract extension.
The 31-year-old was linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer, especially after expressing his desire to start more games. However, the German eventually decided to stay and fight for his position at the club, signing a new two-year deal with the Citizens.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Ortega revealed that he remains determined to compete for the starting position, despite Sporting Director Txiki Begiristain describing him as the best second-choice goalkeeper City has ever had.
“Of course, it’s nice when important people speak well of you. Personally, I just try to be the number one. That’s it, no more than that,” the 31-year-old said.
“The situation right now is the same as last season. I try to catch Eddy, but support him as well and everyone in the team. Obviously, everyone wants to play and reach higher and higher. This is what I try to do every day. In the end, it’s always the manager’s decision. I just try to improve and make his decision difficult.”
Despite Pep Guardiola making it clear that Ortega would continue as the number two at the club, the German explained that there were multiple factors involved in his decision to stay.
“First of all, there’s my family,” the keeper began. “You don’t want to move again, to bring your family into a situation where they have to adapt again. We obviously feel really happy here in Manchester.
“And then, like Scott told me—the grass isn’t always greener in other places. I think that’s true. Obviously, I’ve played a lot of games in the last two years, and I don’t think I’m finished here.
“There’s a lot more to do for me. You’re here at one of the best three clubs in the world right now. It’s not easy to leave.”
With Ederson likely to stay, the Brazilian will undoubtedly remain the preferred starter. However, Guardiola can rest easy knowing that if Ederson is unavailable, the team has a more than capable keeper in Ortega.
