ENGLAND DEFENDER KYLE Walker has signed a two-year contract extension to keep him with Manchester City until 2024, the Premier League champions have confirmed.
Walker joined City from Tottenham in a deal worth in the region of £50million prior to the 2017-18 season and became a key first-team performer as Pep Guardiola’s side claimed back-to-back Premier League titles.
The 29-year-old has also won the EFL Cup in each of his campaigns at the Etihad Stadium to date and collected an FA Cup winners’ medal last month, as City concluded 2018-19 with a 6-0 win over Watford at Wembley to complete an unprecedented domestic treble.
That win over Watford saw Walker make his 100th appearance for the club and he has designs on winning further major honours having renewed terms that initially ran to the end of the 2021-22 season.
“I’m thrilled to have signed a new deal,” he said. “Playing for City has been everything I’d hoped it would be and more.
It was an easy decision. I want to be competing for trophies, playing at the highest level, and I feel I have improved hugely as a player during my time here.
“The club’s vision – both on and of the pitch – matches mine perfectly and I’m looking forward to spending the next five years here, hopefully winning more silverware.”
Walker showed his versatility when he operated on the right of three centre-backs throughout England’s run to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
Gareth Southgate’s reversion to a back four means he now faces stiff competition for a starting place from Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold at international level, while Guardiola is rumoured to be chasing fresh competition for Walker in the form of Juventus full-back Joao Cancelo.
However, City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain offered assurances that the player remains vital to the club’s plans over the coming years.
“We are delighted to have Kyle here for a further two years,” he said. “His strength, speed and ability have been vital to our accomplishments. He is a key member of the squad.
His experience is invaluable, particularly to the younger members of the team, and his contribution will be crucial in our efforts for continued success.”
City face Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley on 4 August before beginning their Premier League defence six days later at West Ham.
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Had to lol at Sky referring to Andy Murray as a Brit when he won the set. He’ll be back to being the Scot if federer wins.
Why bother watching British tv then, match us also on TG4 – I’m sure you’re fluent
If Andy Murray wins, his mother Judy will swoop down onto court and regurgitate a dead mouse for him.
haha brilliant
Can’t stand Andy Murray, comes across as a right snob
Sickened!
Some match so far and i don’t even like tennis.
What’s the score now ?
One set all, i can see Federer wearing Murray down, has that extra bit of class but Murray has a lot of heart.
Yawn !
It’s a great match. Some fantastic tennis, exciting to watch.