Manchester City signing Ederson reveals he used to be a defender – but quit because he was not skillful enough
Pep Guardiola demands ball skills from his goalkeepers but new boy has admitted a weakness
MANCHESTER CITY signing Ederson has revealed he used to be a defender - but quit because he is not skillful enough.
Etihad boss Pep Guardiola is famed for requiring his goalkeepers act like an 11th outfield player.
But according to the most expensive keeper in Premier League history, the City chief may not be getting all he bargained for.
Ederson, 23, said: “I used to play in my neighbourhood, in Osasco, in my city, I used to play in the clay.
"I wasn't a goalkeeper, I was a defender. I realised I wasn't very skillful to be a defender so I asked to become a goalkeeper. Everything started there.
"I had some trials, I didn't pass them. Meanwhile, I went to Sao Paulo to do a first trial with them with another 250-300 kids.
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"I played less than five minutes and they gave me the opportunity there. I stayed four or five years at the club but I didn't have many opportunities, so I left Sao Paulo and had the chance to join Benfica.
"My career in Europe started there when I was 15-years-old and that taught me a lot.
"Getting to Europe was important and I was able to do a good job at Benfica. And thank God, I'm here at Manchester City."