Emi disagrees....

(Pinkun)

Emi Marcondes outlines his City exit plan after talks

Emi Marcondes has revealed he is in the final stages of his time as a Norwich City player after candid conversations with the club’s hierarchy.

The experienced attacking midfielder is in the final months of his contract at Carrow Road and hasn’t played a single minute of Championship football since January in a 2-0 defeat to Stoke.

After a wave of reports that his stint as a Canaries player was set to end prematurely with a mutual termination of his contract, the 31-year-old has spoken to Danish outlet Tipsbladet to offer clarity to his situation.

Marcondes’ reduction in minutes and omission from matchday squads perhaps speaks for itself, even with the Dane turning down strong interest, including from the Bundesliga Two, to stay at City.

“I started out playing under him when he first arrived. I did okay as well, and I managed to score and provide assists,” Marcondes said.

“But as soon as we hit the new year and the transfer window opened, it was a pretty clear signal being sent to me. I had a conversation with Philippe, and they said they would not extend my contract this summer, so they would focus on the players they have now, and therefore I wouldn’t really be in consideration anymore.

“They told me I was free to explore my options and try to move already in January.

“I wasn’t in the squad at all in January, and I was also very close to moving to a few different clubs that we were in talks and meetings with. I only have three months left now, so I’m allowed to speak with other clubs, and I’ve made use of that.

“I’ve tried to assess where the clubs are and what they need. But it wasn’t the right opportunity in the winter, and that’s why I didn’t end up moving.

“Now I’ve started to be included in the squad a bit more again, because the window is closed and we’ve had some injuries. He has said I’m not the first priority, but if they need me, they will use me. However, they’ve been doing really well, so there hasn’t been a need to make changes.”

Despite being a tough message for any professional footballer to digest, Marcondes is grateful for the clarity that Clement, sporting director Ben Knapper and the club have afforded him - even if there is a tinge of disappointment that his City spell will be ending.

“I understood the situation, and I’m glad they were so clear with me. Sometimes communication isn’t that direct, so I actually appreciated that,” he said.

“I might be a bit surprised because of my performances and what I’ve done for the club since I arrived. But I understand how things work in football when a new coach comes in and wants to implement a new strategy together with the sporting director.

“I told him that I understood why, and if I were a coach, I might have done the same. It’s just unfortunate that I’m the one in that situation, because I feel I can contribute on the pitch.”

Posted By: DrDublin, Mar 20, 09:11:13