Ederson slams reports of rift with Man City backup Ortega

Ederson has hit out at reports of a rift between himself and fellow Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.

The Brazilian was substituted after suffering a fractured eye socket in City’s penultimate game of the Premier League season, a vital 1-0 win over Tottenham.

Ortega replaced him and made a brilliant save to deny Son Heung-min as City maintained their slender lead over Arsenal at the top of the table, sealing an unprecedented fourth straight title by beating West Ham five days later.

Ortega was widely lauded for his role in that triumph, and an article published by The Athletic this week suggested Ederson took issue with that praise.

However, the goalkeeper – who missed the Copa America as a result of his injury – has now moved to shut down those suggestions with a post to his Instagram story.

Josko and Eddie pic.twitter.com/eaLzaeSfdr

— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 26, 2024

“I would like to clarify that the note published by The Athletic yesterday, referring to my alleged dissatisfaction with a co-worker, is completely false,” he wrote.

“The alleged day reported was, without a doubt, one of the most difficult days of my career, when I suffered a fracture that prevented me from playing in the final stretch of the season and, consequently, from representing my country in the Copa America.

“At the time of the injury, my only thought was to continue in the match, defending City in the fight for the title.

“But the emotion of the match would be greater than the reality and, inevitably, I would not be able to continue as I would have liked due to the damage it caused, completely blocking my field of vision. I remain focused on preparing for the season.”

Ederson has been linked with a transfer in recent days, reportedly attracting interest from Saudi Pro League clubs.