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Manchester City have confirmed that manager Pep Guardiola (53) has signed a two-year deal to extend his tenure until the summer of 2027, over a decade since joining the club in 2016.
The Spaniard has signed a new deal despite growing rumours that he would be leaving when his contract expired at the end of the current campaign. It has also been reported that City have added the option of a further year should both parties agree to it, which would take Guardiola through to 2027 at the Etihad Stadium.
He has molded the Cityzens into one of Europe's elite since arriving in 2016, winning six Premier Leagues, four EFL Cups, two FA Cups and the Champions League. He has also overseen several record-breaking campaigns including a famous treble win and a 100-point season in the Premier League.
"Manchester City means so much to me," said Guardiola, who has won 353 of the 490 matches he has overseen, giving him a win percentage of 72 per cent and an average of 2.45 goals per game. "This is my ninth season here; we have experienced so many amazing times together.I have a really special feeling for this football club. That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two more seasons. Thank you to everyone for continuing to trust and support me – The Owner, The Chairman Khaldoon, Ferran, Txiki, the players and of course the fans… everyone connected to Manchester City. It has always been an honor, 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."
In an official statement on their website, the club confirmed the news with a glowing tribute to the world-renowned coach: "The Catalan’s new deal will mean he will have spent more than a decade as City manager." Guardiola’s time at City is one laden with success. He has so far won 18 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League.