Ederson left Man City for Fenerbahce last summer, after eight years at the Etihad Stadium. The Brazilian goalkeeper admitted he tried to leave the club, who had won four consecutive Premier League titles the previous year. “I had to leave Man City because I was not happy,” Ederson said.

Ederson admitted he left Manchester City this summer because he wanted a new challenge and had previously tried to find a way out of the Etihad. The Brazilian ended his eight-year reign as Manchester City’s No. 1 with a £12m move to Fenerbahce in the summer, while Pep Guardiola ‘s side spent £26m on Gianluigi Donnarumma as his successor. There has been much speculation surrounding whether Ederson’s departure was due to Man City wanting to take advantage of Paris Saint-Germain selling Donnarumma, or whether Ederson’s desire to leave paved the way for the Italian goalkeeper’s arrival at the Etihad. Ederson, 32, has now confirmed why he decided to leave Man City after 372 appearances for the club. Notably, Ederson blamed his inconsistent performances last season at Man City on his desire to leave but was not granted.

Last season I tried to leave Man City but it didn’t work out,” Ederson said. “I think that affected my form a little bit during the season. I had five injuries and wasn’t at my best.

I told my family that if they agreed, I would talk to Man City about leaving. I needed this change. There is no point in being at a big club, winning if you are not happy. It will continue to affect me in the same way.”

Ederson’s excellent footwork has revolutionised the Premier League goalkeeper role, although his place at Man City has become increasingly precarious in recent seasons. Stefan Ortega was sometimes chosen by Pep Guardiola to replace Ederson as City’s starting goalkeeper last season.

Man City paid £27m to re-sign James Trafford in July, with the England goalkeeper expected to compete with Ederson for the No. 1 spot, but the Brazilian has made it clear he wants to leave.

However, Donnarumma’s arrival at Man City on the final day of the summer transfer window made him an instant first-choice choice for manager Pep Guardiola, raising doubts over his future at Trafford.

“Every cycle ends, players come and go, but the club always exists,” Ederson said. “I had eight wonderful years at Man City and won 18 trophies, but I needed this change and a change of scenery.

When Fenerbahce came, I accepted it. I kept the same spirit, I continued to work on the pitch, like I did at Man City with my fitness coach. I still have the same winning spirit as at Man City and Benfica, and I want to win at Fenerbahce too.”