After enduring a challenging 18 months at Manchester City following his departure from Leeds United, Phillips has opted for a fresh start by signing a season-long loan deal with West Ham United.
Despite his hopes of securing regular playing time at City and challenging for a spot in the squad, Phillips found himself on the sidelines for much of his time at the Etihad Stadium.
Even during Rodri’s suspension, Phillips struggled to secure a place in the squad, leading him to reassess his situation.
In a candid interview with West Ham United’s Official Programme ahead of their upcoming fixture against Arsenal, Phillips revealed that his decision to leave Manchester City was driven by his desire to rediscover his love for the game and enjoy playing football again.
He expressed his frustration at the lack of playing time and acknowledged that returning to the pitch was his primary goal when he made the move in January.
“For me and my family, it was a significant decision to make,” Phillips stated. “But ultimately, I felt it was necessary because I wasn’t getting the opportunities I needed to showcase my abilities.”
The 28-year-old midfielder admitted feeling a sense of worthlessness during his extended period without regular game time, making it clear that his decision to join West Ham was about reigniting his passion for the sport and joining a team with passionate fans and a positive atmosphere.
While leaving Manchester City may have seemed like a bold move at the time, Phillips believes it was the right decision for his career.
Despite the initial disappointment of realizing he had to leave, he quickly embraced the opportunity to join West Ham and experience the vibrant culture of London.
Although some may question Phillips’ decision to depart City mid-season instead of waiting until the summer transfer window, he remains steadfast in his belief that it was the best course of action for his career.
By leaving City early, Phillips aims to avoid further stagnation and kickstart his journey towards regular first-team football.
While it may have been a difficult decision to leave a club that recently achieved the remarkable feat of winning the treble, Phillips understands that his opportunities at City were limited.
Despite his unwavering self-belief, it became clear that manager Pep Guardiola did not see him as a crucial part of the squad, as evidenced by his omission from the starting lineup even when key player were unavailable.
