Manchester City's loanee goalkeeper Zack Steffen has explained that he has rediscovered his happiness on loan at Middlesbrough this season.
Steffen joined the Teesside club in the summer after the Blues opted to strengthen their goalkeeper options by signing Stefan Ortega. The 28-year-old had been second-choice at the Etihad Stadium last season but a difficult performance in the FA Cup semi-final defeat against Liverpool at Wembley appeared to make Pep Guardiola's mind up.
While he may have missed out on a place at the Qatar World Cup with the US team, Steffen has developed well at the Riverside Stadium. So far, the American has missed just four league matches for Boro as they push for promotion to the Premier League.
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Last month, Steffen told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he had no intentions of returning to City for next season despite his contract expiring in 2025. Discussing his time with the Blues further and his future plans with Teesside Live, Steffen explained that the move to the North East has been overwhelmingly positive for him.
"The club, the guys and the staff were pretty welcoming so settling in was pretty easy," Steffen explained. "Middlesbrough is beautiful up here, the countryside, I love it up here so that was easy.
"On the field it took me a bit to get going and into my rhythm of playing games but the guys have been great and it's been quite a season so far. It's been a fun and enjoyable season."
"I mean I'm busy and they're busy in the football world," he added when asked about the Blues. "Life goes by fast but every once in a while we'll check in.
"I'm just focused on Boro and trying to get us promoted. I had a good time at Manchester City and learned a lot.
"I think it was just time for me to head out and be playing games again. I'm happiest when I'm playing games and I'm sure everybody is happy when they're playing.
"As a goalkeeper, it's tough when you have a world-class goalkeeper in front of you like Ederson. I've learned a lot from him and the coaching staff and I just thought it was time to spread my wings and play again.
"Get that happiness and passion back and I'm fortunate enough to have that back." Middlesbrough, who are coached by former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, are third in the Championship, six points behind second-placed Sheffield United having played a game more.
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