It was like being stabbed – Brazilian player reveals what is was like to get banned from playing for Man City by the Government

Douglas Luiz, a Brazilian midfielder, was acquired by Manchester City in 2017. However, he was unable to participate in competitive matches and was subsequently transferred to Aston Villa for £15 million two years later.

It is an anomaly that Manchester City spent approximately £10 million on a player who was not permitted to play for them in a world where multi-million-pound transfers are meticulously examined, with some crumbling due to technicalities.

Pep Guardiola was eager to include Douglas Luiz, an adolescent from Vasco de Gama, in his squad in 2017, and there were high expectations for him. Luiz even participated in City’s pre-season tour of the United States in 2018, dazzling the manager and providing a unique defensive midfield option.

However, there was an issue that was simmering in the background, which prevented Luiz from participating in City’s future plans. It had been anticipated that he would be granted a work permit to enter the United Kingdom; however, the Home Office’s regulations at the time prohibited non-EU players who were not established internationals from obtaining permission to relocate to the UK, particularly if they were not expected to be regulars in the Premier League.

Guardiola personally submitted a letter to the Home Office in support of Luiz, and Brazil manager Tite also verified that the player was included in his future plans. However, Luiz was unable to represent the club that had just spent millions to bring him to England, as he was left in limbo without a Brazil uniform. The situation was hoped to be resolved in the future by granting a loan to Girona, City’s sister club.

The Premier League and FA regulations mandate that clubs must submit evidence of a player’s eligibility to work in the United Kingdom prior to registering the player. The Home Office, in collaboration with the FA, employs a “points-based system” to determine eligibility. The City’s intentions were thwarted as Luiz failed to meet the requirements.

In his inaugural season with Girona, Luiz encountered difficulties in the field; however, upon his return to City in the summer, he once again produced impressive performances. Nevertheless, he returned to Catalonia for a second year, as his domestic and international circumstances had not improved sufficiently to qualify for a work permit. In order to qualify, he was required to have played in 30% of Brazil’s games over the previous two years.

Guardiola stated at the time, “He is prohibited from playing for us.” “We will endeavour to assist him in obtaining a work permit for his return to Girona on loan.” It is exceedingly challenging for me to comprehend.

“A single individual who is not present at any training sessions or with the player on a daily basis is responsible for determining whether Douglas possesses the aptitude and calibre to perform.” I acknowledge the regulations; however, I am perplexed by the fact that any individual is free to work from any location.

“The Brazilian manager [Tite] and I possess a greater understanding than the individuals who determine that he is incapable of participating.” I am deeply disheartened and disappointed in Douglas, as he had the potential to assist us and engage in playful activities with us. He has demonstrated numerous positive attributes during training sessions, which is why we invested a significant amount of money in his acquisition. He is a player who possesses an immense potential to contribute to our team.

Luiz was also experiencing the effects of the experience. “I received that blow, that stab; can you comprehend?” he stated to the Guardian. “I departed Vasco, where I was a star player and played in every game.” I subsequently moved to Girona and Manchester City, and I did not participate in any games that year. A strike was made.

“That is a moment when you come to the realisation that Europe is a challenging place and that it is incredibly complex to adapt so quickly.” You require time to acquire the language and communicate with your colleagues. I experienced a fall, but I persevered and worked diligently to recover, with the assistance of my family and parents.

In an interview with Sky Sports last year, he stated, “The time I spent there was extremely challenging.” I had recently returned from Brazil, and during my initial year at Girona, I only appeared in three games. However, it was ultimately beneficial, as I acquired a wealth of knowledge at Girona, including the fact that life is not solely about performing and that it is imperative to uphold one’s respect for one’s teammates. Certainly, I experienced significant personal development during my time there.

In 2019, Luiz was reluctantly sold to Aston Villa, as there was no indication that City would obtain the crucial permit. Nevertheless, he emerged as a critical player for Girona during his second year. Most importantly, they were able to ensure that he would be able to participate in additional events, which enabled them to successfully appeal the decision to the Home Office. The City inserted a buy-back option and sell-on clause, in addition to making a modest profit.

Luiz later reflected, “I didn’t anticipate being sold, but I believe God knows everything.” However, he immediately focused on a new beginning at Villa and his performances were reminiscent of a player making up for lost time. Guardiola was unsurprised when Luiz emerged as a central figure in the Midlands, as the clauses in the agreement demonstrated the high regard in which City held him.

“The work permit was not feasible, so he was forced to take out multiple loans, and he is currently residing at Aston Villa.” Soon after Luiz’s irreversible departure, Guardiola stated, “I believe we have the option of bringing him back.” “However, life can be this way at times.” We targeted him due to the fact that we encountered an issue in that position during the previous season, as we had not acquired a holding midfielder in the previous three or four seasons.

“Douglas Luiz – we considered that.” However, it was not feasible due to the regulations in England regarding the work permit. Therefore, that is the reason—or, I believe, he would have been present. Last season, he participated in the preseason in the United States and demonstrated exceptional performance. He possesses the potential to engage in a game with us; however, he was unable to do so.

City had two years to exercise their buy-back option on the midfielder, which they contemplated but ultimately decided against. Last year, he declined a transfer to Arsenal, despite engaging in discussions with the club. This year, he is once again the subject of speculation. An unspecified sell-on clause remains in place, and Juventus and City are closely associated.

Luiz has no remorse for his two-year tenure at City, despite the frustrations that he experienced. In fact, he believes that his game has significantly improved under Guardiola’s guidance during his two preseasons.

“In my opinion, he is the most exceptional coach in the world.” “The individual was able to develop over 70% of my potential in just two months,” Luiz stated to Vasco TV. “He holds a special place in my heart, and I am deeply grateful for all that he has accomplished.” I am deeply honoured to receive this affection from a coach who is the finest in my opinion for my football.

The affection will be reciprocated, and a frustrating incident can be firmly put behind both Luiz and the Blues if he can generate a few more million for City this summer.