Manchester City have confirmed that Pep Guardiola has agreed a new two-year contract extension.
The 53-year-old’s previous contract with City was due to expire at the end of this season.
The new deal sees the Spaniard in charge of the club for more than a decade since joining City in the summer of 2016.
Guardiola won 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League at the Etihad.
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A look back at Guardiola’s funniest moments in the Premier League
Rumors about Guardiola’s future, which have been going on for several months, have increased significantly after the club confirmed that director of football Tchiki Begiristain will leave at the end of the season.
Guardiola’s longtime ally Begiristain will be replaced by Sporting’s Hugo Viana, a former Newcastle player.
Ending the uncertainty over Guardiola’s position prevents further disruption next summer, when the club is also due to compete in the Club World Cup.
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Athletic’s Sam Lee has explained why Manchester City fans can start to get excited as news of Guardiola’s contract extension is set to be announced.
The news comes at a critical time in City’s season, which has seen the champions’ form falter of late as they have lost their last four matches in all competitions, the worst run of Guardiola’s career.
It has also been a difficult campaign off the pitch, with the club facing 115 charges for alleged breaches of Premier League rules following an investigation into their financial affairs.
Guardiola replaced Manuel Pellegrini at City eight years ago after previous successful spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
“Pep thought now was not the right time to leave Manchester City”
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Sky Sports’ Ben Ransom delves into why Guardiola signed a new contract at Manchester City after being linked with a move away last season.
Sky Sports News reporter Ben Ransom.
“I think the timing of the news was a surprise. We realized as the season went on that Pep was more inclined to stay.
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The Back Pages Tonight team discuss the news of Guardiola’s contract extension
“It’s his ninth season, so he’s not going to play another nine, of course. But for him to say that, to be in a reflective mood, to see this team and the way it’s developed and where they are now had a lot to think about.
“His family is still in Catalonia and Barcelona. It would be a big draw to bring him back to Spain. But next to that is the job and the club he absolutely loves.
“And Pep is committed to Manchester City, which we’ve seen. He obviously loves the job. He loves the experience of winning the Premier League.
“And I think that just distracted him from wanting to stay. Especially his good friendship with Tchiki Begiristain. We know he’s going to leave at the end of the season.
“We know that Hugo Viana is going to be in this position as a director of football. It’s a new era. And I think Pep should feel that way No. They are doing the right thing by the club.
“They need someone they can count on. And when you look at his record, of course they can count on Pep.”
