Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega cheekily pointed out that Erling Haaland did not score past him last season after completing his move to the club.
Ortega, 29, takes the No.18 shirt having signed a three-year deal with the club and will provide fresh competition for Ederson for this season at the very least. Zack Steffen, who has been the No.2 for the last two seasons, is expected to join Middlesbrough on a season-long loan to help secure his starting place at the World Cup with the US men's national team.
Despite being part of a relegated side in the Bundesliga, Ortega earned a reputation as one of the best keepers in Germany last season and arrives in Manchester on a free transfer following the end of his contract with Arminia Bielefeld. And when he joins up with the team for pre-season, Haaland may have more interest than most in putting the ball past him.
Also read: Man City explain goalkeeper signing with Zack Steffen set to leave
“He is an outstanding player," he said. "The body shape, his technique, shooting, headers, he has everything. But he didn’t score against me in the Bundesliga!
"For me, it is a new situation and here there are world class players. He is a world class player and I am looking forward to it.
“I think I am a good teammate and I make a lot of jokes! But on the pitch, I want to win every game. Whether it is a training game or a real game, I am ambitious and I want to reach the top.
"I think I am a modern goalkeeper, good with my feet and a good shot stopper. But I think I am not at my highest level now, so I hope [goalkeeping coach] Xabi [Mancisidor] can help me a lot.”
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