Michael Johnson is a former professional footballer who played as a central midfielder. He began his career at Birmingham City, where he progressed through the youth ranks before making his first-team debut in 2006. Johnson quickly established himself as a key player for Birmingham, impressing with his technical ability and vision on the ball.
In 2007, Johnson was called up to the England under-21 squad, and he went on to make 19 appearances for his country at that level. His performances for Birmingham also caught the eye of several Premier League clubs, and in 2008 he signed for Manchester City in a deal worth around £7 million.
Johnson's time at Manchester City was plagued by injuries, and he struggled to establish himself as a regular in the team. He made just 38 appearances in four seasons at the club, scoring two goals. Despite his lack of game time, Johnson remained a popular figure among City fans, who appreciated his commitment and work ethic.
In 2012, Johnson was loaned out to Leicester City, where he made 17 appearances and scored one goal. He returned to Manchester City at the end of the season, but was released by the club in 2013.
After leaving Manchester City, Johnson struggled to find a new club, and he eventually announced his retirement from football in 2019 at the age of 31. In an interview with The Guardian, Johnson cited mental health issues as a major factor in his decision to retire, saying that he had struggled with depression and anxiety throughout his career.
Despite his relatively short career, Johnson is remembered as a talented midfielder who had the potential to achieve great things in the game. His performances for Birmingham City in particular are still fondly remembered by fans of the club, who consider him to be one of their most promising academy graduates in recent years.
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