Stefan Ortega has now admitted that he rejected a higher salary from elsewhere to play for Manchester City.
The 30-year-old dropped the comment while speaking to 11Freunde.
So, what did Stefan Ortega say? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the German – who impressed Gary Neville last season – was asked whether money played a role in his decision to join Manchester City.
Ortega conceded that his contract helps him stay financially secure, but went on to admit that he could have earned more money elsewhere.
The Manchester City No.18 said: “I first dealt with other enquiries, from clubs in the Bundesliga, but also from the Premier League. We were very far along with a club. The offer was even more financially lucrative than City’s.”
“The contract at Manchester City obviously gives me more security. Still, if it had only been about finances, I would have had to accept another offer.”
That speaks volumes about Ortega – who recently praised Ederson – and what he wants from the latter stage of his football career.
Players in their thirties can often be accused of chasing the biggest payday as they know retirement looms, although it is admirable to see the German choose sporting glory over a larger salary.
Of course, money is nice, but Ortega is surely delighted with his decision, having won the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in his debut campaign at Manchester City.
Stefan Ortega is exactly the type of character Manchester City need
Manchester City seemingly did a lot of homework on Ortega before signing him on a free transfer from Arminia Bielefeld in July 2022.
The Hofgeismar-born glovesman admitted that himself, adding: “They (Manchester City) always said, we don’t care what league you played in or what club you played for, or whether you are only 1.85 meters.
“We have watched you long enough and gotten to know you as a person and a goalkeeper. You are exactly what we are missing in the goalkeeping group here. That showed courage and trust.”
That due diligence has paid off tremendously, and Manchester City now arguably boast the best No.1 and No.2 in the entire Premier League, if not Europe.
Every player knows they can earn a comfortable salary at the Etihad Stadium, and that is the danger of having too much money for Manchester City – Txiki Begiristain must work harder to make sure potential signings are not simply gold diggers, and the recruitment was spot on with Ortega, to say the least.
