Yahoo News Alex Pritchard explains why he left Birmingham City in under six months
Alex Pritchard admits he needed a ‘new beginning’ after leaving Birmingham City just five months after joining the club from Sunderland.
Blues have allowed Pritchard to join Turkish side Sivasspor in the latest high profile departure from St Andrew’s this summer. Pritchard has agreed a two-year contract with Sivasspor, who finished seventh in the Super Lig last term.
The 31-year-old playmaker was signed by former manager Tony Mowbray at the end of the January transfer window but he only played for him once due to injury. Pritchard made a further eight appearances under Mark Venus and Gary Rowett to take his tally to nine.
Reflecting on his move to Turkey, Pritchard said: “I’ve got to the stage in my career where it’s time for a new beginning, a different place, a different culture. I’ve looked closely at this league throughout the years and I can say it’s just getting stronger. This club has made a lot of effort to bring me here so I will do my utmost to repay them.”
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Sivasspor chased Pritchard last season before Mowbray persuaded him to join Blues instead. Pritchard added: “Last season there was big interest and for certain reasons it didn’t happen. That’s life, that’s football, that’s in the past now.
“I just want to say thank you to people that made it happen. I give a lot of credit to people in the background. I think we all know it’s been leading for a long time for this to happen, I’m thankful that it’s happened now and I’m looking forward to our journey together.”
