Philippe Sandler felt he had to leave Manchester City in order to finally get some regular football after a frustrating period with injuries.
Centre-back Sandler, 24, had been in and around Pep Guardiola's first team for periods of his three-and-a-half-year spell at City, but a mixture of under-par loans and a long-term injury last year halted his progress and he only made two substitute appearances for the Blues.
Now at a new club in Feyenoord having sealed a late January transfer, Sandler has reflected on his reasons for calling time on his City career.
Speaking to De Telegraaf, Sandler said he felt he had no choice but to start afresh with a permanent move.
“Of course, it’s a pity on the one hand, but for me, this was the moment I felt I had to leave”, he said.
“I feel that my body really needs it to play a game every week."
However, his time at City was not wasted, as Sandler praised manager Pep Guardiola for his meticulous approach to training from even the simplest drill.
"I learned a lot from Guardiola. Not only from him but also from the players," he added.
“Many people always think you have to play matches to learn things, but I learned so much in training. I’m very happy and grateful that I was able to work with everyone there.
“Guardiola expects so much from you. Even if we only do a pass and kick exercise, everything has to go well.
“You get into a kind of trance, where you demand of yourself that every ball has to be good. He is such a lover; I have rarely seen people enjoy football so much.”
Feyenoord this week confirmed City have a buy-back option on Sandler, who left on a free transfer, as well as an option to match any bid they may receive for him in the future.
