Man City stars respond to Zack Steffen farewell message as he completes January transfer

Manchester City players have sent messages of goodwill to Zack Steffen after the goalkeeper was confirmed as the club's first exit of the January transfer window.

The USA international has completed a permanent transfer to Colorado Rapids in the MLS, after a four-and-a-half-year spell at the Etihad Stadium.

Steffen, aged 28, made a total of 21 appearances for City in a spell interspersed with loan moves to Middlesbrough and Fortuna Dusseldorf. He recently underwent surgery but upon recovery is now able to make a move back to his native United States.

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He posted a goodbye video and message on his Instagram page, in which he said: "Since signing with City in 2019, I’ve had the opportunity to be around some of the best players and coaches in the world, and I’m grateful for it all. Now it’s time to say goodbye.

"To the club staff, my team-mates and of course all of the fans, thank you for being so loving and supportive through it all.

"Wishing you all much success this year and for many to come! Once a blue, always a blue."

Several teammates replied to his posts with messages wishing him well at his new club. Jack Grealish wrote: "Good luck brother, what a guy, all the best mate."

Kyle Walker said: "All the best bro in your new chapter", and Steph Houghton wished Zack "good luck".

He leaves City with two Premier League medals - albeit from just one league appearance per season in 2020/21 and 2021/22 - and a Carabao Cup medal from 2021 when he played every minute of City's successful League Cup campaign. He was in goal for the 2021 and 2022 FA Cup semi-final exits against Chelsea and Liverpool respectively,