- Ederson has compared the “fanatical” atmosphere in Turkey to Brazil’s most vocal supporters.
- The Brazilian suggests fans in Brazil and Turkey “live the game” more intensely than in England.
- City fans are currently celebrating a historic eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final berth.
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has reflected on the nature of football supporters in England in comparison to Brazil and Turkey.
The 32-year-old shot-stopper, who departed the Etihad Stadium last summer to join Turkish giants Fenerbahce, spent eight trophy-laden seasons in Manchester, becoming a cornerstone of the club’s most successful era.
During his time under Pep Guardiola, Ederson witnessed the transition of City’s fanbase from a period of domestic hope into a global powerhouse, culminating in six Premier League titles and a historic treble featuring their first ever Champions League crown.
But Ederson’s move to the Turkish Süper Lig has seemingly offered him a new perspective on fanaticism, while City fans prepare for an FA Cup semi-final against Southampton and a defining Premier League title showdown with Arsenal later this month.
Ederson draws parallels between Turkey and Brazil
Speaking exclusively to Flashscore, Ederson was quizzed on what life is like playing within Turkish football, identifying key similarities between his new experience and that of the game in Brazil.
“Football is crazy there. But Turkey is a very good country, its people are fanatical about sport, not just football,” said Ederson.
“So it’s a bit reminiscent of Brazil there, a bit reminiscent of Corinthians, the fans of Corinthians, Vasco, Flamengo, the most fanatical fans who chant for the whole ninety minutes.”
Why the Etihad atmosphere differs from Istanbul
He continued, “But what’s really reminiscent is the Corinthians and Vasco fans, the people there are fanatical, they play along with the team, they suffer along with the team.
“It’s very different to what I was used to in England, isn’t it? There, people live the game more than in England.”
Manchester City fans have become accustomed to a style of composed, clinical dominance under the Pep Guardiola regime, even in the absence of centre-back duo Ruben Dias and John Stones during the recent 4-0 rout of Liverpool in the FA Cup.
Looking ahead, Manchester City fans will almost certainly be looking towards April 26, when their side hosts Mikel Arteta’s Gunners at the Etihad Stadium.
While Ederson may now be playing in a more “crazy” atmosphere in Turkey, the high-stakes pressure of a nine-point title race at the Etihad will no doubt provide a level of intensity that rivals even the most fanatical of South American or Turkish stands.
