“I don’t hold grudges” – Player insists his spell at Manchester City was not a “failure”

NEC Nijmegen defender Philippe Sandler has insisted he does not hold any animosity towards Manchester City, despite failing to break through at the club.

The 25-year-old joined Manchester City in a €2.5m deal from PEC Zwolle in 2018 but would only go on to make two appearances for the senior team and 11 for the U21’s during his time at the Etihad.

He was sent out on unsuccessful loan deals during his time at the club, spending time with the likes of Anderlecht and Troyes before eventually joining Feyenoord in January of last year.

Injuries ended up ruining his time there too and he had moved on by August of last year, joining Nijmegen on a free transfer.

He’s slowly but surely getting back on track with his new club, featuring in 34% of the available minutes in the Eredivisie so far this season.

That’s already an upgrade on what he’s had in the last few years, but its seems Sandler does not look back on his time at Manchester City with any regret.

“I don’t think my period at Manchester City was a failure,” 1908 report him saying to Algemeen Dagblad.

“I trained daily with guys like Kompany, De Bruyne and Aguero. Well, that really does make you a better player. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss it. It was a boy’s book. I was in a completely different world there.

“I enjoy it more now than before. I don’t hold grudges, like: if I hadn’t had all those bad injuries, I would still be playing at Manchester City now.

“I have had a lot of bad luck, but I have always remained cheerful, because I am mentally strong. I am very happy with NEC and want to reach European football with this club.”