Ederson dismisses Man City exit talk

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has dismissed speculation he could leave the club as "fake news".

The Brazilian has one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium and has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

The 31-year-old has spent the past eight years at City and helped the club win 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

"My future is here," Ederson said. "Some friends send me lots of news, but 99% is fake news.

"I understand you guys, you need the news, to put a 'like' on social media but there’s a lot of fake news around my name.

"My head is here. It stays with City. It means everything to go back to the Premier League and to try to win the Champions League as well. My mind is staying in the club."

City endured a frustrating 2024-25 season, failing to defend their league title after four successive triumphs and exiting the Champions League before the last 16.

Asked specifically about Ederson at his press conference to preview Thursday’s game against Juventus in Orlando in the Club World Cup, manager Pep Guardiola said he did not know whether the Brazilian would stay beyond next season.

He said: "I don’t know, but I am so pleased with what I am seeing in the training sessions and he is with us.

"He has had a spectacular decade with us and his contribution has been massive in many aspects."

Meanwhile Rodri admits it could be some time before he gets back to his best.

The Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder missed most of the 2024-25 season after suffering a serious knee injury last September.

Rodri in action during the Club World Cup

He returned to action only last month with a seven-minute run-out in City’s penultimate Premier League game against Bournemouth.

His comeback continued with two substitute appearances in the opening two matches at the Club World Cup, against Wydad Casablanca and Al Ain, but Rodri feels he is a long way short of peak fitness.

The Spain international said: "I feel very good and very happy to be here. It’s an amazing tournament to start again to play football. I’m really excited to join the team again.

"I feel very, very strong, to be honest. The (recovery) process was long, but I was taking my time.

"The most important thing was to keep focused and be strong, not be sad or whatever.

"One day I would come back and this day has finally come. I know it’s still going to be months until I reach my level but I’m so happy."

Click here to read article