(Football news) Pep Guardiola has signed a further two-year contract extension which will keep him at Manchester City until 2025. Guardiola's deal was set to expire in the summer but City were quick to offer the contract extension as they have used the break for the World Cup to end any doubts over his future. The 51-year-old in his Man City tenure has won four Premier League titles since arriving from Bayern Munich in 2016 and his new contract will see him reach nine years in charge of the club.

Guardiola has been in Abu Dhabi since Thursday and he sorted out the terms of his new contract at a dinner meeting with City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak. City were keen to end the rumours over his future by the time the Premier League season resumes after the World Cup with the fear of the situation being dragged on as it could overshadow the second half of the campaign especially when they are involved in an intense title race with Arsenal. Guardiola's new deal will see him manage the club till the 2024-25 season which will subsequently be a year before the start of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Guardiola has not ruled out managing a national team in the future as he has been linked with roles with Brazil, Spain and the United States.

"I am delighted that Pep's journey with Manchester City will continue," Khaldoon said. "He has already contributed so much to the success and fabric of this organisation, and it's exciting to think what might be possible given the energy, hunger and ambition that he clearly still has. Under his very special leadership our first team has accomplished so much, whilst continuously playing, and constantly evolving, a City style of football that is admired the world over. Like every City fan, I am looking forward to what lies ahead."

"I am so pleased to be staying at Manchester City for another two years," Guardiola said. I can't say thank you enough to everyone at the club for trusting me. I am happy and comfortable, and I have everything I need to do my job as best as possible. From day one I felt something special being here. I cannot be in a better place. I still have the feeling there is more we can achieve together and that is why I want to stay and continue fighting for trophies.

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