Pep Guardiola SIGNS new contract at Manchester City

by · Mail Online

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has backed Pep Guardiola to continue breaking records after the manager extended his contract until 2027.

Six-time Premier League winner Guardiola has signed a two-year deal, which will see his time in charge tick over a decade.

City worked hard to convince the 53-year-old to oversee a period of change, with the manager's close relationship with Al Mubarak a key component behind committing to the club once again.

'Like every City fan, I am delighted that Pep's journey with Manchester City will continue; allowing his dedication, passion and innovative thinking to continue to shape the landscape of the game,' Al Mubarak said.

'His hunger for improvement and success remains insatiable and the direct beneficiaries of that will continue to be our players and coaching staff, the culture of our Club, and the English game at large.

'This renewal will take Pep beyond a decade of coaching Manchester City and the opportunity to continue to re-write the managerial record books.'

Pep Guardiola has signed a new contract with Manchester City in a major boost to the club
City released a video on Thursday night of Guardiola revealing he is not going anywhere
Guardiola has enjoyed a stunning tenure with City since joining in 2016, winning 18 trophies
Guardiola, 53, has agreed a two-year extension with the Premier League champions
Guardiola (pictured with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak) has won six Premier League titles
The Spaniard's tenure at the Etihad will pass a decade in charge with his new contract
Many had expected him to depart at the end of the season after a stunning spell in charge
City fans crowded funded a banner that read in Catalan: 'Pep Guardiola, we want you to stay'

That Guardiola has offered clarity over his future should galvanise a squad five points behind Liverpool in the title race as they attempt to lift an unprecedented fifth consecutive crown.

City face their rivals next week after meeting Tottenham on Saturday at the start of a crucial run of fixtures before Christmas.

The decision to extend also alleviates any potential problems of a managerial handover during a hectic summer that will see City compete at the Club World Cup in America.

'Manchester City means so much to me,' Guardiola said. 'This is my ninth season here; we have experienced so many amazing times together.

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'I have a really special feeling for this football club. That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two seasons.

'Thank you to everyone for continuing to trust and support me – The Owner, The Chairman Khaldoon, Ferran (Soriano), Txiki (Begiristain), the players and of course the fans.

'It has always been an honour, a pleasure and a privilege to be here. I have said this many times before, but I have everything a manager could ever wish for, and I appreciate that so much. Hopefully now we can add more trophies to the ones we have already won. That will be my focus.'