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Everton midfielder James Garner has claimed he has silenced those who doubted him at Manchester United and has no regrets about his decision to leave the Red Devils.
Garner had been at United since the age of seven, but after a conversation with Erik ten Hag, the decision was made to part ways with the club and complete a transfer to Goodison Park.
Everton shelled out £15 million to secure Garner’s services in 2022.
He has been a revelation in the Merseyside team, especially under Sean Dyche.
Garner is without a doubt one of the first names on the team sheet and is now demonstrating his abilities and why United were wrong to not give him the opportunity to prove himself.
The 22-year-old has made 24 appearances this season in all competitions and has recorded two goals and one assist.
Garner spoke to The Telegraph and discussed his progress at Everton and his departure from United. He said: “When they start signing three or four midfielders, you understand your place. “It was a decision I wanted to make.”
“I still live in Manchester, so obviously you bump into the odd person. Fans being fans always give you their little comments and stuff. But look, I’m happy where I am now, yeah.”
“It is always a difficult decision [to leave] when you come from a club considered one of the best in the world. “It was a big decision, but I knew it was the right one.”
The Everton star added: “I feel like I’ve proven it to those who didn’t believe I was in that team, but more importantly I’ve proven to myself that I can play in a Premier League team week in and week out. “
He told The Telegraph that what matters most to him are the opinions of his family and loved ones, unlike critics who thought he did not have the talent to play for United.
Garner admitted that he also doubted himself and his abilities at one point, but right now he is flying at the highest level.
“I feel like I’ve proven it to those who didn’t believe I was in that team, but more importantly I’ve proven to myself that I can play in a Premier League team week in, week out.”
Furthermore, he commented on his departure from Old Trafford: “Some people might have thought it was the wrong place.” [decision] at that time but I knew it was the right one because I didn’t want to stagnate after having such a good season [with Nottingham Forest]. “I wanted to go out and prove to everyone and prove to myself that I can play at the highest level.”
When asked if anyone at United tried to convince him to stay, Garner noted that no one necessarily approached him. However, he indicated that he had a conversation with Ten Hag, where he made it clear that he would not play significant minutes.
In the end, that revelation from the coach motivated his decision to seek a new challenge.
