Pierce Charles admits securing a return to Premier League giants Manchester City “is a very special and proud moment” with the Northern Ireland goalkeeper now joining Queens Park Rangers on loan ahead of next season.
One of the most highly-rated young goalkeepers in Europe, 20-year-old Charles came through the youth ranks at City and has signed a five-year contract after leaving Sheffield Wednesday in a deal which could reportedly reach up to £10million.
Charles has established himself as Northern Ireland’s number one, bringing his cap tally to 12 after featuring in June’s friendlies against Guinea and World Cup favourites France.
His all-round performances at the Owls attracted attention from a host of clubs and Charles is now excited for his City future.
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles has returned to Manchester City. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)placeholder image
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles has returned to Manchester City. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“To be back at Manchester City is a very special and proud moment both for me and my family,” he told the club’s website. “I know first hand what a special club City is and I am so excited about looking to the future.
“City take the development of young players very seriously so I know that my loan to QPR will only help me grow and improve as a player too.
“I’ll now give everything I can for a successful season in the Championship before hopefully returning to Manchester a better goalkeeper.”
City’s Director of Football Hugo Viana added: “Pierce is someone whose progress we have been following closely, and we are delighted to welcome him back to Manchester City.
“Pierce has already learned a lot during his time at Sheffield Wednesday but is still very young and hungry to now further progress and develop.
“He also knows the Club and is very much aligned with the values we all share.
“We are very happy to have secured Pierce’s signing and are excited to now help in his future career development.”
Charles heading out on loan to continue his development in the Championship with QPR will be welcomed by Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill, who has previously been full of praise for his young goalkeeper.
He has played 27 times in England’s second-tier and Charles is now excited to continue building his experience at Loftus Road.
“It feels really good,” Charles told QPR’s website. “The past few days have been quite busy, but to finally be here with a target to play this season at Champ level, it's something I've been wanting to do.
“It fits my stage in my career right now. With the squad as well, it looks like a promising squad, plenty of young players, and when I played here last season, the fans showed me how loud and how good the atmosphere can really be.
“Experience is the best thing ever. The coaches used to tell you that when you were younger, and you used to half-believe it, but when you start playing, you truly do believe it.
“There's nothing better than playing games, especially when you're young.”
QPR CEO Christian Nourry said: “We are pleased to announce the arrival of Pierce today on a season-long loan.
“Pierce is a player that the club has held a long-term interest in and we are delighted to have the player and his family’s confidence, as well as Manchester City’s, in terms of this being the best environment for him to continue to prosper, having had the pick of Championship clubs to choose from.”