Boyhood City fan Anderson reveals £116m move fulfilled a childhood dream

Elliot Anderson has revealed that his £116m move to Manchester City this summer was the fulfilment of a boyhood allegiance, disclosing that he has supported the club since the age of seven or eight after his grandfather bought him his first City shirt.

“Obviously, I’m a Newcastle fan deep down but you’ve always got a second team and for me, that was Manchester City,” the midfielder said. “I think I was about 7 or 8 years old, and I just started following the club and really enjoyed it. My grandad bought me a Manchester City shirt, so I’ve just loved supporting them since then.”

Anderson’s admission adds context to a remark he made on joining the club, when he described City as the “kings of Manchester” — a line that manager Enzo Maresca this week called “normal” for a player of his generation. Fellow summer signing Ayyoub Bouaddi was also photographed in a City shirt as a youngster, and Anderson joins a dressing room that already includes lifelong Blues in Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Nico O’Reilly and Rico Lewis.

Despite a notable prior encounter with Haaland — Norway had a goal ruled out at the World Cup after the striker knocked Anderson to the floor — the 23-year-old says the No.9 has been instrumental in helping him settle at the Etihad.

“He’s been brilliant with me. He’s a really top guy,” Anderson said. “We have a responsibility to provide chances for him. And my first thought at the minute when I receive the ball is, where’s Erling? And I think that’s the best thought to have in your mind. Obviously, he’s a really dangerous goal scorer and if we can provide him with some good passes and some good chances then he’ll be really happy.”

City head into the Manchester derby with the chance to move eight points clear of United after just four games, as they bid to finish above their rivals for a 14th consecutive season.