Philippines international goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has joined Birmingham City from English Championship rivals Cardiff City, the club announced on Friday.
Etheridge has inked a four-year contract with Aitor Karanka’s side and leaves Cardiff having played a key role in gaining promotion from the Championship to the Premier League during the 2017/18 season.
“I’d just like to take the time to say a massive thank you to Cardiff City FC for everything they’ve done for me,” Etheridge wrote in a post on Instagram announcing his departure from Ninian Park.
“The past three years we’ve had such an amazing time together, being promoted in my first season to the Premier League, and even though we were relegated we gave it a right go in the best league in the world!"
“I would like to thank all you guys, the supporters for everything, all the people behind the scenes that make that club run so that we as players can get out there and entertain and, of course, all the players and friends that I played with during my time with the club.
“We made some fantastic memories together and I’ll never forget the part the club and supporters played. I wish the club every success in the future.”
Etheridge went on to become the first player from Southeast Asia to play in the top flight of English football in his second season with Cardiff, with the 30-year-old making an immediate impression with penalty saves in his first two games, against Bournemouth and Newcastle United.
He went on to be named Cardiff’s Player of the Year despite the club’s relegation back down to the Championship. Etheridge, however, lost his place in Cardiff’s starting line-up last season and has made the move to St Andrew’s in an attempt to secure regular first team football.
📸✊ @Neil38Etheridge will wear the number 3️⃣0️⃣ shirt this season. 🧤 pic.twitter.com/3dkC8TUxbZ
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) September 11, 2020