ZACK STEFFEN has admitted that he has no plans to return to Manchester City at the end of the season.
The American joined Pep Guardiola’s side in 2019 and has made 21 appearances for the reigning Prem champions.
In a bid to get more regular playing time, the goalkeeper joined Middlesbrough on loan at the beginning of the season.
His temporary move failed to earn him a place in the US’ World Cup squad, but after returning to the international fold this month, Steffen revealed that he doesn’t expect to be back at the Etihad.
The 27-year-old told The Philadelphia Inquirer: “I don’t think I’ll go back.
“No, I want to be playing. Although I had a great time at City and I love those guys, and obviously [it’s] an amazing club, I don’t really have any plans to go back.”
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As back-up to first-choice stopper Ederson, Steffen helped City win two Prem titles and a League Cup during his time at the Etihad.
Upon the end of this season he will still have two years left on his City contract, but he has been replaced as No2 by Stefan Ortega.
Steffen has made 35 appearances for Boro this season, helping Michael Carrick’s side to third in the Championship.
He has moved on from his World Cup heartache in the best possible fashion, and could cap his spell with a promotion to the Prem.
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On missing out on Gregg Berhalter’s squad, 29-cap ace Steffen was philosophical.
He said: “The ‘keepers — Matt [Turner], Sean [Johnson] and Ethan [Horvath] — I mean, they were consistent and they were with the team throughout the whole cycle and Gregg just decided to go with them.”
Steffen then added: “It was tough. God tested me.
“It definitely wasn’t easy, as you can imagine — just surprising and, yeah, just not what I expected.
“And it wasn’t part of my plan, but I know that God ultimately has a greater plan and path for me.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
