Former Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson is set to leave Manchester City after six years, with the club confirming it does not plan to renew the goalkeeper's contract.
Carson, who spent three years of his career at Liverpool under Rafael Benitez between 2005 and 2008, has signed annual extensions at the Etihad in each of the last three summers. But aged 39, City have opted against renewing his deal for a fourth consecutive season.
He made just two appearances in his six seasons at the Etihad, but was a popular member of the squad and often earned praise from Pep Guardiola and his City teammates. “Everyone at Manchester City would like to thank Scott for his hard work and dedication and wish him the very best of luck for the future,” the club said as it announced the news.
In a 21-year career, Carson holds a unique record alongside Paulo Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta as the player with the longest gap between Champions League victories.
He was part of Liverpool’s 2005 squad that lifted the trophy in Istanbul, before achieving the same success 18 years later with City, ironically once again in the Turkish capital. The keeper was an unused substitute in both finals.
Carson made just nine appearances during his time at Liverpool after he was initially signed as back-up for Jerzey Dudek. He memorably played in the Champions League quarterfinal home leg win over Juventus en route to the Reds earning a fifth European crown.
Scott Carson
Scott Carson played nine games for Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
After loans at Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic and Aston Villa, he left the club in 2008. Benitez judged him not at the level to challenge Pepe Reina for a starting berth.
We went on to play 118 times for West Bromwich Albion before departing in 2011. Spells at Bursaspor, Wigan Athletic, and Derby County followed.
Carson perhaps enjoyed the best spell of his career at Pride Park, playing 171 games for the Rams, more than any other club, and was voted Derby’s Player of the Season in 2016/17. In 2019, he joined City, initially on loan, before making the deal permanent two years later.
He has operated as third-choice keeper during his time in Manchester and last played in a 2022 Champions League tie against Sporting Lisbon.
The 39-year-old also has earned four England caps and was part of the 2006 and 2010 World Cup squads.