Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:48,000

Ireland commits to Citizens

29 May 2009 - 07:45:29

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Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has signed a new five-year contract to keep him with the Citizens until the summer of 2014.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a superb season for City, scoring 13 goals in all competitions and has been rewarded for his efforts with a bumper new deal.

He told the club's official website: "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.

"These are very exciting times. 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."