Cieran Slicker has reflected on his 13-year association with Manchester City after leaving the Etihad permanently to join Ipswich Town.
Scotland youth international Slicker has been a regular for City's academy teams during his time at the club, as well as featuring in senior squads in the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup for Pep Guardiola.
He leaves City for an undisclosed fee for his second taste of senior football after a loan at Rochdale last season and has penned an emotional Instagram post to thank staff and teammates at the City Football Academy.
"Thank you, City. After 13 years, it’s time to say goodbye. Thank you to everyone that has played a part in creating the man I am today," he wrote.
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"From my coaches, to the backroom staff to my teammates, you’ve given me friendships, memories & learnings for life. I remember my first training session at Platt Lane, aged seven, like it was yesterday & what was to follow has been special to say the least.
"Having times sharing the pitch & dressing room with players I’ve looked up to growing up has been so valuable, the learnings I’ve been able to take from the best players & manager in the world is something I’ll take with me for the rest of my career.
"It’s been an honour to wear the City shirt and represent the club that I love. Once a blue, always a blue."
On Slicker's post was a picture of him as a youngster with former City goalkeeper Joe Hart, who commented on the post to say: "Go and smash it mate." There were also messages from City teammates Liam Delap, Luke Mbete, Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Carlos Borges and also former Blues striker Paul Dickov.
Speaking to Ipswich, Slicker also opened up on the tough decision to leave City, saying: “I’m buzzing to be here because this is a great opportunity for me at an amazing club. Saying goodbye to City is tough, because I have been there for 13 years, but this is definitely the right time for me.
“The way Ipswich play was a big part of the reason I chose to come here, because it suits my style. Everyone I know who played in League One last season said Ipswich were the best team by a mile, so hearing that was great for me. In some ways it’s similar to the way City play so that is really big for me.
“Working with Ederson, Scott [Carson] and Zack [Steffen] at City has been a brilliant experience for me and working with Christian (Walton) is going to be the same. He was the best goalkeeper in the league last season and I want to learn as much as I can from him because he sets the standards I want to reach.”
