Manchester City dressing room cult hero calls it quits after 15 years in emotional statement as superstars react
A cult hero at Manchester City has announced his departure after 15 years at the club.
Brandon Ashton, City’s kitman and one of the most popular figures in the dressing room, shared the news on social media.
‘After 15 years at Manchester City I have decided to step down from my role at the club to explore other career opportunities,’ Ashton wrote on Instagram.
‘I have had amazing experiences and met fantastic people who I know will be friends for life.
‘For me and my family, this is the right time to start a new chapter and discover what new challenges await me.
Manchester City player Brandon Ashton has announced he will leave the club after 15 years
Brandon Ashton was a hugely popular figure behind the scenes at Manchester City – he has now announced he will be leaving the club
The equipment manager built strong relationships with City’s players during his 15 years at the club
‘Manchester City will always be close to my heart, because this club made me from a boy to a man. The memories I have of my time at City are ones I will always cherish.
‘I would like to thank all the players, management and technical staff I have worked with, but also the fans I have had the opportunity to talk to over the years.
‘I wish the boys all the best for this season and for the future.’
Several current and former City stars reacted to the news.
Jack Grealish posted: ‘Best man ever!! You will be missed bro’.
Aymeric Laporte, who left City in 2023, said: ‘Thanks bro! All the best.’
Tosin Adarabioyo, who played for City for 17 years before moving to Fulham, wrote: ‘The man!’
Cole Palmer also paid tribute in a rather unusual way: ‘B****cks chops’.
Matija Nastasic added: ‘Good luck and all the best, my friend’.
Several former and current Manchester City players have sent Ashton their last wishes on Instagram
Former Manchester City academy product Cole Palmer also paid tribute to Ashton in his post
During Ashton’s time at the club, Manchester City won every possible trophy under Guardiola
Most football fans discovered Ashton’s cheerful nature during the ‘All or Nothing’ documentary about City.
Ashton often played pranks on some of the City superstars, causing them to burst out laughing.
He also created something of a tradition for himself by sliding around in his underpants on the floor of City’s dressing room whenever Pep Guardiola’s team won a trophy.
Ashton joined City at the age of 16 and has become one of the club’s most important and beloved figures behind the scenes.
Former City captain Vincent Kopmany told the documentary ‘All or Nothing’ how much Ashton was valued by the playing group.
The former City kitman dated a number of club stars at times
Ashton celebrated City’s titles by sliding across the floor in his black underpants
“Brandon is really the heart and soul of the dressing room, he has the ability to take the pressure off,” said Kompany.
Kevin De Bruyne added: ‘I would say the players are closer to the kitman and the physio. I’m very good with him, from day one. Sometimes I like being with someone who is not a football person.’
City will hope to send Ashton off with a win when they welcome Inter to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday for their first leg of the Champions League.