Carson: I’m grateful for connection with City fans | OneFootball

Scott Carson has thanked Manchester City fans for their support during his six years at the Club.

The former England goalkeeper initially joined on loan in 2019 before making the move permanent in 2021.

While he played just twice, Carson was considered a key part of the squad for his attitude and professionalism, as well as his support of the likes of Ederson and Stefan Ortega Moreno.

In total, City lifted 12 major honours during Carson’s stay.

Speaking on Matchday Live for our Champions League clash with Villarreal, the 40-year-old wanted to make his feelings towards the Club clear.

“The reaction from the fans towards me was always positive,” he said.

“I felt a great connection from the minute I signed.

“I had a wonderful time here and I’ll be forever grateful for my time here.”

That unique bond with the fans particularly came to the fore in his substitute appearance against Sporting CP in March 2022.

Replacing Ederson towards the end of the game, with City comfortably ahead in the tie but 0-0 on the night, Carson received a rapturous response from all sides of the Etihad.

“It came as a bit of a shock for me!” he remembered.

“I just kept watching the time and it was getting further and further and I was thinking it’ll embarrassing to only get a few minutes, but I got a decent amount of minutes and I also got to make a good save whilst I was on.

“I didn’t really know what was happening because I don’t think I ever came off the bench before! It was brilliant.”

Carson enjoyed a strong bond with Ederson, who was the undisputed first choice between the sticks throughout his time at the Etihad.

He even took it upon himself to support the Brazilian on and off the pitch where he could.

“When I first came in, his English wasn’t great but we used to communicate with each other even without a conversation,” said Carson.

“I’d laugh at him and he’d laugh at me! I was there for him if he needed me and I hope I did help him in some way for the years he was here.”

Carson was in Istanbul for perhaps the greatest night in the Club’s history – our 2023 Champions League final win over Inter.

Like many other City fans in attendance, his memories of that game are a little hazy given the emotion and tension involved.

“To be honest it just seemed to go by so quick,” he said.

“It was a cagey game. We knew they were a good side but it didn’t go as smoothly as we wanted.

“My biggest memories are the saves Eddie made towards the end of the game. It was obviously vital for us and I was buzzing for Eddie to make those saves.”