Aliousformer Manchester City defender has revealed the emotional turmoil behind his shock 2010 move to Sunderland — admitting he broke down after being told he had no future at the club he called home.
Having grown up in Manchester and risen through City’s academy ranks, the defender spent nearly a decade living his dream — only for everything to unravel under Roberto Mancini.
He confessed he never once imagined leaving — until the decision was effectively made for him.> “I cried.
I didn’t want to leave. That was my club — my city, my people.”With his exit sealed during pre-season, he was shipped out on loan to Sunderland — a move that left him stunned and heartbroken as he headed into the unknown.
Yet, what followed was unexpectedly one of the most rewarding chapters of his career. Living by the North Sea — even residing in a former home of Paul Gascoigne — he experienced personal growth and helped Sunderland secure a top-10 finish.Still, the pain lingered.
Watching City lift the FA Cup from afar only deepened the regret.> “It didn’t feel the same… not like being at City.”The defender also took a swipe at Mancini, making it clear their relationship had completely broken down, claiming he felt disrespected and pushed aside.
In a surprising twist, he also revealed that Vincent Kompany wasted no time claiming his No. 4 shirt as he exited — a number that would later become legendary at the club.He later moved permanently to Queens Park Rangers before finishing his career with Real Salt Lake — but the scars from that forced City exit still haven’t fully healed.
Alious
