Mpenza close to City deal
13 Apr 2007 - 09:04:23
Manchester City striker Emile Mpenza has revealed he is close to pledging his future to the club and signing a long-term contract.
Mpenza, 28, arrived at the City of Manchester Stadium in February on a short-term deal and his two goals in six appearances have led City boss Stuart Pearce to open negotiations on a new contract.
The Belgium international's goals have helped ease the Citizens away from relegation trouble and the former Hamburg and Schalke hitman looks set to pledge his future to the club.
"In my mind, I am already with City," he told the Manchester Evening News.
"Only the fine details need to be sorted out now.
"It is not about money, otherwise I would have stayed in Qatar. I will never forget that is was City and Stuart Pearce who gave me my chance in England.
"If it was up to me, I would sign for five or six years. I like the city, the team and the coach. He saw me twice and he showed faith in me. I want to repay that."
Meanwhile, Pearce has labelled City's current Premiership position as 'unacceptable'.
Ahead of Saturday's visit of Liverpool, the City chief has called for an improved showing in a bid to prevent a disappointing campaign from petering out.
"If you ask me whether we are in a league position I will find acceptable if that is where we end up, the answer is no," he revealed.
"For me to start turning around and make noises about being safe would send out a message that our season is finished - and it is far from that."
