‘I will not go back’ – Zack Steffen wants to LEAVE Man City at the end of the season and will not return from loan

ZACK STEFFEN has admitted he has no plans to return to Manchester City at the end of the season.

The American joined Pep Guardiola’s side in 2019 and has made 21 appearances for the reigning Prem champions.

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To get more regular playing time, the goalkeeper joined Middlesbrough on loan at the start of the season.

His temporary move didn’t earn him a place in the US World Cup squad, but following his return to the national team earlier this month, Steffen revealed he doesn’t expect to be back at Etihad.

The 27-year-old told the Philadelphia Inquirer: “I don’t think I’m going back.

“No, I want to play. Although I had a great time at City and I love these guys, and obviously [it’s] a great club, I don’t really plan on going back.”

Substituting for first-choice stopper Ederson, Steffen helped City win two Prem titles and a League Cup during his time at the Etihad.

At the end of this season, he still has two years on his contract at City but has been replaced as No. 2 by Stefan Ortega.

Steffen has played 35 games for Boro this season and helped Michael Carrick’s side finish third in the championship.

He’s put his World Cup woes behind him in the best possible way and could cap his spell with promotion to the Prem.

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When Steffen, with 29 caps, missed out on Gregg Berhalter’s squad, he was philosophical.

He said, “The ‘Keepers – Matt [Turner]sean [Johnson] and ethane [Horvath] – I mean, they’ve been consistent and they’ve been with the team throughout the cycle and Gregg just chose to go with them.

Steffen then added: “It was tough. God tested me.

“It definitely wasn’t easy, as you can imagine – just surprising and, yes, just not what I expected.

“And it wasn’t part of my plan, but I know that ultimately God has a greater plan and way for me.”

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