Dedryck Boyata has revealed he had to get a move away from Manchester City in the summer.
The 22-year old Belgian defender has slipped way down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium in recent years and was thrilled to have secured a season-long loan with Dutch club FC Twente even if he wanted a permanent departure.
"In August I requested a transfer to FC Twente," he told Voetbal International.
"City had nine defenders in their squad. Only four of them can play and only two can sit on the bench. Even in the stands there were bigger names than me.
"I wanted to fight for my place as I am not someone to run away from a challenge. However, sometimes you have to stop dreaming, be realistic and leave.
"I would have preferred to have been sold to Twente and made a fresh start. Manchester City didn't want to go that far. I suppose they still believe in me."
