Ortega to Halland and Guardiola
The Bundesliga is relegated to the world club
01/07/2022, 12:25 PM
It certainly wasn’t his fault: Stefan Ortega keeps the box clean as best he can in Armenia Bielefeld, but his club is still on the decline. But things are getting better for the goalkeeper with his move to Manchester City: Under Pep Guardiola, the 29-year-old has long not wanted to be a substitute goalkeeper.
Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega’s transfer from relegated German Bundesliga club Armenia Bielefeld to English football champion Manchester City is ideal. The 29-year-old signed a three-year contract with the club coached by Pep Guardiola and striker Erling Haaland, who was brought in from Dortmund.
Although Ortega is expected to be second behind Brazil goalkeeper Ederson, he is still hopeful for a few appearances due to the large number of competitive matches in England and the local culture that often depends on the reserve goalkeeper in cup matches. Ortega said: “I think I could play a more important role at City than many people give me. My development is definitely not over yet.”
‘Too good to turn down’
After his contract expired, the Spanish-German player was rumored to be Bayern Munich’s No. 2 goalkeeper and first-division goalkeeper Schalke 04. He now said: “Over the past year, I’ve had to deal with different options for the club. It’s nicer now that I feel like waiting. And confidence in the right solution will eventually lead to this contract.” He thanked Armenia Bielefeld fans, “But City and the Premier League were so great that I didn’t turn them down. I can’t wait to get started, meet my teammates and work with Pep and his staff.”
Manchester sporting director Txiki Begiristain described the move as a “very good deal for City”. Ortega, who was born near Kassel and was traded to the national team before, played for the Armenia team for twelve years. “Of course we are incredibly proud that an academy-trained player is now playing for the big trophies in one of the best teams in the world,” the East Westphalians tweeted.