Departing Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Aro Muric didn't mix well with his Reds teammates and distanced himself from them despite the efforts of senior players, according to The Athletic's Daniel Taylor. 

It was reported yesterday that Muric had returned to his parent club Manchester City after Forest had opted not to extend his loan deal, which expires at the end of the month.

The 21-year-old shot-stopper arrived at the City Ground on a season-long loan deal in the summer but has made just five appearances for Sabri Lamouchi's side this summer.

Muric began the 2019/20 campaign in possession of the number one jersey but quickly lost his place to fellow summer signing Brice Samba, who has established himself as Lamouchi's clear first-choice this term.

It is understood that the Kosovan international has shown a questionable attitude at times this season and following the report of his departure, Taylor revealed his struggles to mix with his teammates.

He explained: "Some of the senior players tried to involve him - but not easy getting through to him. Too much poor time-keeping, on his phone in dressing room etc. Didn't really mix well. Mate used to pick him up in orange Mustang and then he was gone."

Taylor added that his Forest teammates had tried to include him.

He said: "In fairness to the other players, I know they tried to involve him. He created that distance, rather than the other way round."

The towering goalkeeper will now return to City, where he has been given opportunities by Pep Guardiola in the past.

The 21-year-old spent much of last season as Ederson's back up and featured in all five of City's games in their run to the Carabao Cup final, before losing his place to the Brazilian for the Wembley clash with Chelsea.

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The Verdict

It's very interesting to get the insight into the off-field issues the goalkeeper faced during his time with the Championship club.

Muric arrived at the City Ground as an intruiging addition, having impressed in the Carabao Cup in the 2018/19 campaign, but has not had the impact that he, Forest, or City will have hoped for.

The arrival and impressive performances of Samba have played their part in that but it appears there was more to it than just that.

It will be interesting to see what City's plans are for the 21-year-old moving forward.