Source: Daily_Mail
Ireland relieved after finally signing new contract at Manchester City
Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has signed a new five-year contract at Eastlands.
Sportsmail revealed two weeks ago that the Republic of Ireland midfielder was close to signing a new deal.
Mourinho eyes £8m move for City's brooding Brazilian Elano And the 22-year-old put his name to a new contract that will initially pay him £60,000-a-week , rising to £80,000.
Ireland, voted City's player of the season, said: 'I never had any doubts about staying.
'Regardless, I was going to be here, and hopefully for the remainder of my career. I don't see why not. I really want to become a hero here, to hopefully achieve things.
'I'm settled here. I love the club, I love the fans and I don't see what's going to make me leave this club.'
It promises to be another summer of big changes at the club, but Ireland can be assured of his own place and is looking forward to seeing who else may come through City's doors.
'These are very exciting times,' he said. 'It's going to be interesting just to see what the line-up will be at the start of next season and how far we can push on.'
'Hopefully we can compete for the title and get back into Europe.'
Manager Mark Hughes added: 'Stephen's new contract is great news for everyone concerned. He was outstanding all last season and is now one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
'He thoroughly deserves all the praise that has gone his way after the hard work that he undertook last summer, and I know that he is already aiming to do even better for us next season and beyond.'
