"I Didn't Make It at Man City – But I Will Show Pep Guardiola..."—Former Manchester City player Vows to humiliate Pep Guardiola in Aston Villa vs Manchester City match

Morgan Rogers’ career has been full of twists, challenges, and triumphs. From being a bright talent at Manchester City’s academy to becoming a key player at Aston Villa, Rogers has always had one goal: proving he belongs at the top. While his dream of breaking into City’s first team didn’t come true, the 21-year-old is now showing Pep Guardiola and the footballing world just how much they missed out on.

Growing up as a West Brom fan, Rogers never imagined leaving his boyhood club. But in 2019, Manchester City came calling after being impressed by his performance in an FA Youth Cup match. The £4 million move was an opportunity Rogers couldn’t turn down, even though it meant stepping out of his comfort zone.

“It was hard to leave home and the people I grew up with,” Rogers admitted. “But deep down, I knew it was the right thing for my career. I had to take that leap, even though it felt weird at the time.”

Rogers quickly made his mark in City’s youth setup, thriving alongside players like Cole Palmer and James McAtee. Under the guidance of now-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, Rogers was part of a Youth Cup-winning team filled with future Premier League stars.

Training with City’s first team was an unforgettable experience, but breaking into Guardiola’s star-studded squad proved to be an insurmountable challenge. “When you’re training with the best players in the world, you want to stay and impress,” Rogers said. “But at a club like City, the competition is fierce, and sometimes opportunities are limited.”

In 2023, Rogers left City for Middlesbrough, where he worked hard to rebuild his career. But it was during an FA Cup tie against Aston Villa that his fortunes changed. Villa manager Unai Emery saw his potential and signed him for £15 million.

For Rogers, the move to Villa was a fresh start. Since joining in January, he has flourished, becoming a regular in the starting lineup, earning England caps, and even playing in the Champions League.

“I’ve had to prove myself at every stage of my career,” Rogers said. “But that’s what makes me stronger. Every challenge has been an opportunity to grow and improve.”

While Rogers didn’t get the chance to shine at City, he has no hard feelings. In fact, Guardiola’s words of encouragement during a recent reunion meant the world to him.

“When I saw Pep again, he told me he always knew I had the talent,” Rogers revealed. “It didn’t work out at City, but hearing him acknowledge how far I’ve come was a huge moment for me. It showed that all my hard work had paid off.”

At Villa, Rogers has finally found the stage to showcase his abilities. Operating in an attacking role, he has become a creative force, scoring goals, creating chances, and helping Villa climb the Premier League table.

“It’s a great feeling to finally play at this level and contribute to the team,” Rogers said. “I want to show everyone – including Pep – what I’m capable of.”

Rogers’ journey has taught him the value of perseverance and adaptability. “Sometimes things don’t go the way you plan, but that doesn’t mean you give up,” he said. “I didn’t make it at City, but I used that experience to push myself to the next level.”

Now, as one of Villa’s best players, Rogers is focused on continuing his upward trajectory. “My ultimate goal is to keep improving, help my team succeed, and show that I belong on the biggest stage,” he said.