Manchester City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain has called Stefan Ortega’s decision to sign a new contract which will keep the goalkeeper at the Premier League champions until 2026 “crucial”.
German Ortega joined City from Arminia Bielefeld on a free transfer in 2022 and has been Ederson’s understudy, making nine appearances in 2023/24 and starting the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.
“Stefan is the best number two goalkeeper we’ve ever had, providing us with quality, stability and experience,” said Begiristain.
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“He is such a talented ‘keeper – our goalkeeping coach, Xabi Mancisidor, tells me all the time how good Stefan is.
“He is very skilled and it’s clear that since his arrival here he has contributed significantly to our success.”
Stefan looks back at 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 Spurs save! 💪 pic.twitter.com/wrBE1m8Ipt
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 8, 2024
Ortega City contract: ‘Incredible’ two years
The 31-year-old first joined his previous club in 2007, playing 220 times for them across two spells and spending three years at TSV 1860 Munich from 2014.
City described Ortega as “vital” to their treble success in 2022/23, when he started every game on their run to lifting the FA Cup.
Ortega’s finest performance last season arguably came at Tottenham in City’s final away game, when he made several excellent saves to stop his side falling behind on their way to a 2-0 win which proved vital to beating Arsenal to top spot.
“What happened in these two years is incredible,” Ortega told City’s website. “I’m a completely different person now than two years ago and that means a lot for me.
“We’ve won a lot of trophies. Since I’ve been here we just keep breaking records and records, so it’s nice to be a part of this group.”
Man City squad ‘so friendly’
“It’s a special group because before I joined, I was a bit scared of how the team is, how the players are and the staff around them,” added Ortega.
“From day one in this building, you’re just happy because everyone is so friendly. They all try to help you. They are all different but it’s so fun to join them every day.”
