Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen says he has no plans to return to the Etihad Stadium when his loan at Middlesbrough expires.
USA goalkeeper Steffen, 27, signed for City in 2019 for Columbus Crew, before immediately spending a season in Germany where he impressed at Fortuna Dusseldorf. He would then spend two seasons as an understudy to Ederson, making 21 appearances in total.
However, Steffen was never quiet about his ambitions to play more, and he joined Middlesbrough this season in order to play regularly and give himself the best chance of making the USA World Cup squad in December.
ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola explains how 'karma' is behind Nathan Ake's Man City form this season
Injury and poor form meant Steffen would be unsuccessful in that bid to get to Qatar, but he has responded well and is playing a key part in Middlesbrough's promotion push in the Championship under former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick.
Having regained his place in the US Men's National Team squad, Steffen is fully focussed on Middlesbrough, and says he does not want to return to City in the summer, despite being contracted until 2025.
Speaking to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Steffen said City are aware of his stance when he said: “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.”
Reflecting on his turbulent time on Teesside so far, Steffen said his struggles in the first half of the season have tested him and made him a better player.
He explained: “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.
“I think this year has brought me some peace and understanding of who I am and what kind of goalkeeper I am. I’ve dived heavily into my faith, and that’s helped as well. Confidence is good, still striving for bigger and better heights, and bigger goals and dreams.”
READ NEXT:
