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Manchester City star reveals considering 'quitting' football for another sport | Sporting News United Kingdom

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 11:41 GMT by Sporting News
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Manchester City Star Leaves the Pitch for a New Game

In a surprising announcement that has taken the football world by storm, a former Manchester City midfielder, Marcus “Mack” O’Connor, has decided to abandon professional football in favour of a career in rugby union. The 27‑year‑old, who rose through City’s prestigious academy, confirmed the move in a candid interview with Sporting News, revealing that his passion for the contact sport has long simmered beneath the surface of his footballing life.

O’Connor, who joined the City Academy at the age of ten, quickly distinguished himself as a versatile player capable of operating across the midfield. He earned his first senior call‑up in 2016, making a handful of appearances for City in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. Despite flashes of brilliance, his progress was hampered by recurring hamstring injuries, limiting him to a total of 32 league appearances and 10 substitute appearances over five seasons. He spent time on loan at lower‑division clubs such as Brentford and Sheffield United, where he enjoyed more regular game time and a brief stint as a goal‑scoring threat.

When asked about the decision to leave football, O’Connor explained that the sport had been his life since childhood, but that rugby had always been the other side of his sporting identity. “I grew up playing both football and rugby in school,” he said. “My family has a long history of rugby – my grandfather played for the Midlands in the 70s – and the passion for the game never really left me. After the injuries, I realised it was time to follow my heart.”

O’Connor’s announcement comes with an official statement from Manchester City’s club website, which expressed its gratitude for his contributions. “Marcus has been an integral part of the City family from his earliest days in the academy,” read the statement. “We thank him for his dedication, both on and off the field, and we wish him all the best as he embarks on this new and exciting chapter in rugby.”

The decision has prompted reactions from key figures within the club. Pep Guardiola, City’s long‑time manager, commented via a short video message, “Marcus has always shown tremendous determination and professionalism. While we are sad to see him leave the beautiful game, we respect his ambition and wish him every success in rugby.”

O’Connor’s move to rugby is set to commence with a contract at Harlequins, one of the Premiership Rugby’s most storied clubs. In a press release from Harlequins, the club welcomed the former City midfielder, noting his athleticism and mental toughness. “Marcus brings a unique blend of technical skill and physical resilience that will be invaluable to our squad,” said Harlequins’ head coach, Jonny Newman. “We’re excited to have him on board and look forward to seeing him develop in the set‑piece and open‑field play.”

The transition from football to rugby is not unheard of, but it remains relatively rare at the professional level. Footballers such as Jarryd Hayne, who left the National Rugby League to pursue an NFL career, and former NFL player turned footballer Ryan Norsworthy, have all navigated cross‑sport transitions, yet the skill sets and conditioning required in rugby differ significantly from those in modern football. O’Connor’s coaching staff will need to adapt his training regime, focusing on strength and conditioning tailored for the physicality of rugby, as well as tactical understanding of a sport that places a greater emphasis on set pieces, scrums, and line‑outs.

While O’Connor’s rugby aspirations are clear, his ultimate goal remains to represent England at the international level. In an interview, he expressed his desire to wear the national jersey: “I’ve always dreamed of playing for England. Switching to rugby is a big step, but I believe it’s the right one to achieve that dream.”

The reaction from the City fanbase has been mixed. Many fans expressed disappointment over the loss of a home‑grown talent who could have become a mainstay for the club, while others praised the player’s courage to pursue a different dream. Twitter threads were dominated by a mixture of “We’re sad to see you go” and “We’re proud of your decision,” underscoring the emotional impact of his departure.

This announcement also highlights the broader conversation about athlete versatility and the evolving nature of professional sports careers. With increased focus on athlete welfare, clubs are increasingly supportive of players who wish to transition between sports or pursue dual-career pathways. O’Connor’s case exemplifies how a club’s support can facilitate an athlete’s personal and professional growth beyond the pitch.

The next few months will be crucial for O’Connor as he adapts to the demands of rugby union. Training will involve mastering the nuances of tackling technique, ruck engagement, and the intricacies of rugby set pieces. Meanwhile, City’s academy is reportedly exploring ways to broaden its support for youth players considering alternative sporting pathways, citing O’Connor’s experience as a case study.

As the football season continues, all eyes will now be on Harlequins’ training sessions and O’Connor’s early performances on the rugby field. Whether the midfielder’s athletic versatility will translate into rugby stardom remains to be seen, but the boldness of his decision is already being celebrated as a testament to the courage required to chase one’s passions, even when it means stepping off the familiar grass of the football pitch and onto a new, challenging playing field.