USA goalkeeper Zack Steffen has declared he wants to leave Manchester City.

In a bid to get more regular playing time, the goalkeeper joined Middlesbrough on loan at the beginning of the season.

His temporary move failed to earn him a place in the US' World Cup squad, but after returning to the international fold this month, Steffen revealed that he doesn't expect to be back at the Etihad.

The 27-year-old told The Philadelphia Inquirer: "I don't think I'll go back.

"No, I want to be playing. Although I had a great time at City and I love those guys, and obviously [it's] an amazing club, I don't really have any plans to go back."

On missing out on Gregg Berhalter's World Cup squad, 29-cap ace Steffen was philosophical.

He said: "The 'keepers — Matt [Turner], Sean [Johnson] and Ethan [Horvath] — I mean, they were consistent and they were with the team throughout the whole cycle and Gregg just decided to go with them."

Steffen then added: "It was tough. God tested me.

"It definitely wasn't easy, as you can imagine — just surprising and, yeah, just not what I expected.

"And it wasn't part of my plan, but I know that God ultimately has a greater plan and path for me."