Scott Carson has shed light on what his unique role at Manchester City entails - and why he decided to leave previous club Derby County.
Former England goalkeeper Carson raised more than a few eyebrows when he first joined City back in 2019. He initially signed on a loan deal and the arrangement was replicated for the 2020-21 campaign.
This summer City handed Carson a one-year deal after his contract with the Rams expired. That was despite the 36-year-old making a grand total of just one solitary appearance in the previous two campaigns.
Speaking to City's in-house media team, Carson has spoken about how he does not regret the decision - especially after it being made clear he was out of the first-team picture at Derby.
"I've loved it from the minute I signed," Carson said.
"I wouldn't say I had reservations about coming in at first. Obviously, in my head and all through my career, I've wanted to play, and coming here, I knew that wasn't going to be the case.
"And I knew it was going to be very difficult to play any games.
"But it was a decision of, do I basically get sent with the kids at Derby or do I come and train with the best players in the world and then learn from the best manager in the world.
"It was a no-brainer really.
"I knew the role when I came in. When I was playing I wanted to be the best I can be.
"Now I want to be the best in this role and the best I can be. If I've been able to help anyone over the last few years then I feel like I've done my role."
Carson's role is very much to ensure number one Ederson and back-up Zack Steffen remain on their toes every day in training and his 400-plus career appearances put him in the ideal position of being able to offer an experienced ear.
Last season saw the stopper handed his City debut in a 4-3 win at Newcastle. It marked a first outing in more than two years for Carson, who saved a penalty in what was a gripping contest.
Guardiola has regularly praised Carson's impact at City on numerous occasions and his positive influence on the dressing room.
Speaking after that success on Tyneside, he said of Carson: "Maybe people don't know it but he's a real leader for us.
"He says straight away what he believes, he has a lot of experience, he has been in incredible locker rooms with big teams.
"He is an incredible person."
