‘Definitely an issue’ – Man City man admits club were option in summer, wanted to compete at Etihad

Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has admitted a move to Schalke was “definitely an issue” in the summer before his move to the Etihad.

The goalkeeper joined Manchester City on a free transfer in the summer, arriving from Arminia Bielefeld to take up the backup spot behind Ederson.

The move is his first outside of Germany, where he has spent the entirety of his career up to this point with Bielefeld and 1860 Munich.

He’s made a positive impression at Manchester City so far, relishing in his role as the number two and impressing when given the chance.

The lack of regular playing time is something he appears to be happy with, despite the fact he could have been enjoying more minutes with a side in the Bundesliga.

Schalke were one of those who were interested, with a recent report indicating that they were interested in the goalkeeper but a previous relationship with those in charge at the club led Ortega to choose Manchester City instead.

He’s now admitted a move to join them was on the cards, but ultimately his heart made him decide to join Pep Guardiola’s side instead.

“That was definitely an issue,” he told SportBILD, relayed by Fussball Transfers, regarding the Schalke interest.

“The longer I thought about it, the stronger the feeling became: I want to try it at City. At this level, in another country, with a new culture.”