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Anderson explains his early love of City
Sep 12 2026 22:48 · By onefootball.com · 1 Reads
Elliot Anderson says he’s had a soft spot for Manchester City since he was seven or eight years old.
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The England international moved to the Etihad Stadium in the summer and has hit the ground running in sky blue, standing out as Enzo Maresca’s side have won every game so far in the Premier League and Champions League.
The energetic midfielder was born in 2002 and has grown up with City as one of England’s dominant sides, seeing us win more Premier League titles than anyone else.
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Born and raised in the north east of England, Anderson is clear that he grew up a Newcastle United fan.
However, photos have emerged of him as a child wearing City shirts and Anderson says it’s because he’s always admired us.
“Obviously, I’m a Newcastle fan deep down but you’ve always got a second team and for me, that was Manchester City,” he said.
“I think I was about seven or eight 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.”
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The 23-year-old will be hoping to feature in his first Manchester derby this weekend when we go to Old Trafford in a 16:30 (UK) kick-off on Sunday.
Speaking on Friday, Anderson couldn’t hide his excitement ahead of a key fixture in our season.
“I’ve watched plenty and they can be really feisty games and a lot of noise from their fans and yeah, it’ll be really passionate, I hope. That’s the games that I want to be involved in,” he said.
“I guess it’s going to be a big fight. So, I think duels, fighting, winning the ball and competing very well.
“Obviously, we will have carried out a plan very well to get the three points and put on a good performance for the fans.”
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While already a seasoned England international, Anderson is adamant there’s plenty he can learn from City’s star-studded squad as he adapts to life at the club.
“I think I’m learning every day playing with these players at Manchester City. And then obviously players you play against, you’re still watching them and seeing what you can take from their game. It never really stops I don’t think,” he said.
“And there’s so much talent on show in the Premier League that I can take stuff. Rúben Dias has been really good with me.
“Obviously, he’s the captain now, talking me through things on the pitch and just really giving me an insight as to how things work here. But I think the main person I’m taking things from is the manager.”
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Another player Anderson appears to have developed a strong connection with early on is Erling Haaland, who has already scored five times across all competitions this season.
Anderson says the Norwegian striker has been helpful to him off the pitch and that he’s enjoying playing alongside him.
“He’s been brilliant with me. He’s a really top guy. We have a responsibility to provide chances for him,” he stated.
“My first thought at the minute when I receive the ball is, where’s Erling? I think that’s the best thought to have in your mind.
“Obviously, he’s a really dangerous goal scorer and if we can we can provide him with some good passes and some good chances then he’ll be really happy.”
Anderson is just one of three midfield additions this summer, alongside Enzo Fernández and Ayyoub Bouaddi.
While still only 23, the No.5 is more experienced than Bouaddi, who is just 18.
However, the Moroccan has already impressed with Lille and his national team at this summer’s World Cup.
Anderson is full of praise for the youngster after their first few weeks working together.
“He’s such a good player – obviously everyone’s seeing it, you know, first start in the Champions League for City the other night. He was very, very good,” said Anderson.
“Everyone’s really happy with the way he played, especially at such a young age.
“There’s a responsibility on me, obviously having played in the Premier League before, to help him settle in. And he’s doing that really well, he’s top.”
Premier League 2026/27 home tickets now on sale
General admission tickets for Manchester City’s home 2026/27 Premier League fixtures are on sale to Premium, Matchday and Junior Members.
Season Ticket Members, meanwhile, are now also able to purchase additional tickets for selected games.
Premier League match-by-match ticket prices for junior and adult Matchday Members have been retained at the same rate for a third consecutive season.
It promises to be another thrilling campaign for the Blues as we enter a new era under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, who takes over from Pep Guardiola in the hotseat.
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