Eliaquim Mangala has been labeled a Manchester City flop for years, owing to the hefty transfer cost paid by the Premier League club.
When he joined Manchester City in 2014 from FC Porto, it was initially believed to have cost the English club less than €40m.
However, later claims raised that figure to as much as €60m, and since the defender was unable to justify such a high price on the field, he became something of a controversial figure.
None of that was his fault, and Mangala is understandably frustrated that the narrative has focused on him.
While still playing for Manchester City, he went on loans at Everton and Valencia before committing long-term to the Spanish team in 2019.https://isoccerng.com/manchester-city-…hes-for-new-club/
He then signed a short term contract with Saint-Etienne in January 2022, and left in the summer.
Now 31-years-of-age, Mangala is searching for a club as a free agent, and feels he still has lots to offer the game.
What Mangala Said About His Time At Manchester City
The defender is quoted by L’Equipe as saying: “When they call me, I will be ready. I know my value, I know my level.
“In Saint-Etienne, without preparation, I chained fifteen matches together without injury. Now I just have to find the right place.”
Reflecting on his transfer to Manchester City and the controversial role of outside parties, Mangala said: “A football player is a product, they buy a human being.
“Football is pure business and I understood that a long time ago. In this environment, we are also products.
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“Today is worse. I am a 31-year-old free agent. If I had been in this situation a few years back, no problem.
“Today, a club will always favour a young person, because potentially on resale, there will be a profit.
“Society evolves like that, towards business, while the reality is on the ground.”
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