I left Man City and Pep Guardiola said my exit was 'perfect' - but I found the right club

Happy in Germany, unhappy in Manchester? It's a simplistic read of Jadon Sancho's career, but on the evidence available over the past decade, it might be a fairly accurate one, too.

The fact is that Sancho, unquestionably one of the most talented players to have been produced on these shores in modern times, has now sought exits from Manchester City and United, yet has emerged on the other side on both occasions, seemingly all the better for leaving.

Now 24 and having endured his fair share of career highs and lows, the former City academy graduate stands on the brink of a historic Champions League final appearance. And it had to be in his hometown of London, didn't it? Talk about a redemption arc under the Wembley arch.

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Much has been said about Sancho in recent months, particularly after his acrimonious departure from United after a public spat with Erik ten Hag. Nobody escapes such a situation without intense media scrutiny.

But the story of his exit from City was rather different, less trumpeted but still a bold decision from the player that set the lad from south London en route to what seemed like guaranteed stardom.

Pep Guardiola didn't quite view Sancho's decision to leave City in 2017 as bold and brave. Guardiola has always preached the virtues of patience with his young players. Even Phil Foden – a contemporary of Sancho in the City development sides – had to wait for his first team chances and was stopped from going out on loan. Oscar Bobb and Rico Lewis are now in that same waiting room.

Sancho was 17 in