Pep Guardiola has signed a two-year extension deal at Manchester City that will run until 2023.
According to ESPN, Guardiola said, “Ever since I arrived at Manchester City I have been made to feel so welcome in the club and in the city itself, from the players, the staff, the supporters, the people of Manchester and the chairman and owner.”
“Since then we have achieved a great deal together, scored goals, won games and trophies, and we are all very proud of that success.
“Having that kind of support is the best thing any manager can have.
“I have everything I could possibly want to do my job well and I am humbled by the confidence the owner, chairman, Ferran [Soriano] and Txiki [Begiristain] have shown in me to continue for two more years after this season.
“The challenge for us is to continue improving and evolving, and I am very excited and about helping Manchester City do that,” the 49-year-old added.
Guardiola also revealed that he has “unfinished business” at the club after signing the contract owing to the fact that since his appointment in 2016, he has not won the Champions League with the Citizens.
Commenting on the good news, City chairman Khaldoon Mubarak said, “It is testament to the qualities of the man that Pep’s passion and intelligent approach are now woven into the very fabric of the football we play and our culture as a club.
“That impact has been central to our success during his tenure and it is why I am delighted that he shares our view that there is so much more to be achieved both on and off the field.
“Pep’s contract extension is the natural next step in a journey which has evolved over many years.
“It is a product of the mutual trust and respect that exists between him and the entire club.
“It also goes to the stability and creativity at the heart of our football operations.
“Importantly it is a validation of the football structure and philosophy that has been built over more than a decade and to which he has contributed so much.
“I’m sure all City fans share my delight in this new agreement and in anticipating the exciting opportunities that, with continued hard work, are there to be taken.”
During his tenure at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola has lifted two Premier League trophies, three League Cups and the FA Cup.
The club has spent half a billion euros to cement the senior squad Guardiola has at his disposal and has been assured “he will be backed” in the transfer market.
Despite showing some lacklustre performances last season and the beginning of the new season, Guardiola has been given another chance to prove himself in England.
Pundits believed the Catalan boss would be sacked at the end of the season but the club has shown faith in the former Barcelona manager with a contract renewal.
The news will be received in mixed feelings especially for City fans who are not fond of Guardiola’s style of play and transfer business.
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