Goalkeeper Asier Riesgo has revealed it was a 'very long summer' after a proposed move to Man City collapsed.
Pep Guardiola was in need of an experienced, third choice goalkeeper this summer after allowing Aro Muric to leave for Nottingham Forest on loan and not wanting to leave just Daniel Grimshaw for cover if one of Ederson or Claudio Bravo suffered a serious injury, like the latter did last season.
The 35-year-old has had an esteemed career in his native Spain, making 275 appearances for the likes of Real Sociedad, Osasuna and Eibar. He was even the first person to save a penalty from Lionel Messi.
It's reported that Riesgo considered retiring after the failed transfer but instead Catalonian side Girona snapped him up on deadline day.
"The opportunity came from City and I was practically thinking I was going there," the Spaniard said on his unveiling at Girona, quoted by SportWitness.
"It collapsed and, in the end, it has been a very long summer.
"It was not an easy situation. I had a long summer and when I thought everything would work out, destiny took a turn. Now I am happy to take advantage of this beautiful challenge [at Girona] on a personal and sports level."
City's search for a third choice goalkeeper didn't end their, however, and they ended up signing former England international and Championship verteran Scott Carson on loan from Derby County for the season on deadline day.