TOAST OF THE ETIHAD
Man City title winner, 31, settled in Manchester by going to iconic pub on his own and trying beer with locals
Read down to see why he might not be going again for 18 years
STEFAN ORTEGA revealed how he settled in at Manchester City — by going to his local boozer.
The German keeper has been the toast of the Etihad for some of his performances as his club clinched a fourth straight Premier League title at the weekend.
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He admits he loves a beer and there will be a queue of people wanting to buy him one if he helps them make it a Double at Wembley on Saturday.
The 31-year-old will be in goal for the all-Manchester FA Cup final showdown with United, just as when City won the same fixture 12 months ago.
Ortega arrived in the North-West on a free transfer from Arminia Bielefeld two summers back and admits he initially felt a bit lost.
That was until a visit to The Old Wellington — a stone’s throw away from Victoria Station.
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He said: “When I lived in the hotel in the city centre I was alone in my first week.
“My missus said to me, ‘Just have a walk around and see how it is’.
“I like beer and it was a sunny day in Manchester as well.
“So I was just sitting in a pub and trying the beer. It was good.”
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Ortega previously told Sports Illustrated: “The Old Wellington is a cosy pub next to the National Football Museum.
“As soon as I was standing at the counter, a guest spoke to me and small talk developed.
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“I immediately felt welcome and experienced for the first time the warmth and helpfulness of northern England.
“Mancunians say, ‘The weather is cold but our hearts are warm’. I can absolutely confirm that.”
It was not just the beer that Ortega took a shine to — it was also a British Sunday roast.
He added: “That is particularly delicious. Roast beef, vegetables, roasted potatoes and a pastry called Yorkshire pudding as a side dish — and gravy.
“It is available in almost every pub and it’s not just good in The Old Wellington.”
Ortega and his wife are expecting their second child this summer — so trips to the pub could be limited for a while.
He smiled: “Maybe in 18 years!
“I’m looking forward to showing some friends around the city.
“Of course we will also stop at The Old Wellington on our tour.”
Ortega is due to hold more talks with City over his future this summer — but this week saw Ederson linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
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The Brazilian has been injured four times during matches this season and each time has been replaced by Ortega.
The back-up keeper tends to play in domestic cup games anyway but says the team, who have played together so long, make it easy for him to slot in seamlessly.
He added: “We are every day together so it’s not new for me what we’re doing on the pitch.
“With this team, I think everyone would say the same, it’s easy to go in and play because this team is unbelievable.
“The mentality is unbelievable, the quality is unbelievable.
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“I think this is one of the biggest plusses with the squad we have, that we don’t have a big squad like other teams.
“Everyone is important and gets game time, the manager says don’t be frustrated, just be there as we need everyone and now you see it.”
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