Kevin De Bruyne has signed a new contract with Manchester City until 2025, with the Belgian stating he “could not be happier” to extend his career at the club to a decade.
De Bruyne, who earns about £250,000 a week, will be 34 when the terms end and he cited his relationship with Pep Guardiola, who considers the current PFA Player of the Year a linchpin midfielder.
De Bruyne, whose deal had been due to end in 2023, said: “I could not be happier. Since joining City in 2015, I have felt at home. I love the fans – my family are settled here in Manchester and my own game has developed really well.
“This football club is geared for success. It offers me everything I need to maximise my performance, so signing this contract was a straightforward decision. I am playing the best football of my career and I honestly feel there is more to come.
“Pep and I see football in the same way. Having that relationship with a manager is so important to me because our objectives are totally aligned, and we want the same things.
“My focus now is on ensuring we have a successful end to the current campaign. Our results and performances so far have been excellent, but we need to make sure we end the season with the silverware we deserve.”
De Bruyne, City’s captain when Fernandinho does not play, underlined his importance by helping to create and then scoring the opener in Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League quarter-final opening leg win over Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium.
The 29-year-old, whose 20 assists last season tied Thierry Henry’s Premier League record for a campaign, has won two league titles, one FA Cup and four League Cups at City.
The director of football, Txiki Begiristain, said: “This is a very significant moment for this football club. Kevin is, without question, one of the best players in world football … I look forward to watching him during his peak years here at Manchester City.” - Guardian
