Rarely seen Manchester City defender Sergio Gomez has paid tribute to Pep Guardiola after securing a move away from the Etihad this summer.
The Spaniard joined Manchester City in the summer of 2022 from Belgian side Anderlecht and made a solid start to the 2022-23 season as a substitute for Joao Cancelo. However, his importance to the team diminished as the season progressed, and he was rarely used. Even when Cancelo left on loan to Bayern Munich and Barcelona, and the club were unable to play the suspended Benjamin Mendy, the defender couldn’t hold down a starting berth due to a lack of form and several injuries.
But after making just 18 Premier League appearances in two seasons at the club, Gomez has now left the club for Imanol Alguacil’s Real Sociedad side. Although he was rarely used by Pep Guardiola at City, the 23-year-old has praised his former manager, saying it was an honour to have worked with him.
WHAT GOMEZ SAID
Speaking to the media, Gomez said, via BBC Sport: “Being part of such a talented, ambitious and successful squad was a true honour and winning a host of major trophies, including the Treble, is something I will never forget and will always look back fondly on.
“I am excited for this new adventure, but I wish Pep Guardiola and the players every success in the future.”
WHAT TOP SIX FOOTBALL THINKS
Sergio Gomez joined Man City with much promise. When he signed, City were without a natural left-back in that position. He was expected to become the club’s undisputed left-back, but he failed to reach the heights expected of him.
At just 23 years old, he still has a lot to play for, so his departure bodes well for all parties involved. The emergence of Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol as capable left-backs is undoubtedly part of the reason City are willing to let him go. He departs the Etihad with fond memories and a lot of lessons learned.
The move is also profitable to Man City as Real Sociedad have paid reportedly €10 million (£8.3m/$10.9m) for the defender, who City signed for just £11 million in 2022. The Cityzens also added a 30% sell-on clause in the sale of the former La Masia graduate.
