Christian Saydee has spoken of his emotional departure from Portsmouth after sealing a move to League One side Wigan Athletic.
Saydee joined Pompey from Bournemouth in 2023.
‘Friend’ John Mousinho Advised Move
The striker told The News that Portsmouth manager John Mousinho was a big factor in his decision to depart Fratton Park.
“The gaffer was a big part of me leaving, we went over it in my end-of-season meeting.”
“I went to him more as a friend for advice rather than a manager – and he advised me. I was 22 at the time and also, considering my time at the club, at that point I needed to play more games.”
“We talked and he made me realise. That was a big moment for me. He was pleased I could possibly go out and get minutes somewhere else, but, at the same time, said he still wanted me around.”
“However, he was never going to stand in my way if I wanted to get more matches elsewhere.”
“That was a big thing. Most managers would go and screw you over, but he was open enough to allow me to go out and experience something else.”
Not Happy On The Bench
The former Bournemouth striker was a regular on the Pompey bench last season and was keen to find an opportunity to play more minutes, despite still being wanted by Mousinho.
“He wanted to keep me, if I was still around it would be nice, but he wasn’t going to stand in my way – and I thank him for that.”
“I don’t think any player is happy sitting around and being on the bench. Sometimes you don’t realise how much you want to be on the pitch, it’s kind of a blur when things are going so well for the team, we’re all happy.”
“But, when you come away from that and realise a football career is very short, you want to get your game time and do as well as you can do. It’s one of those things that have to happen in football if it’s not working out how you want it to – and the club have been so nice and open to letting me go out and get minutes.”
“I enjoyed every single minute of it. I was a professional footballer for the first time at Pompey, I came as a boy and have left as a man.”
Saydee leaves Portsmouth with a record of seven goals from 73 games and joins Wigan for an undisclosed fee.
Writer’s View
This looks like the right move for all concerned. Christian Saydee has the chance to play more matches, Portsmouth get a fee and free up room for other signings and Wigan gain a striker looking to kick-start his senior career.
