Defender, Steph Houghton has signed an one-year contract extension at Manchester City until June 2024.
Houghton’s decision to extend her contract will see her stay at the club for a tenth season, having joined from Arsenal in November 2013 and gone on to score 21 goals in 233 appearances for the Sky Blues.
Across her time at the club, Houghton has also captained the team to eight titles compromising of; four WSL League Cups, three Women’s FA Cups and one Women’s Super League title.
Speaking about her decision to stay at City for one more season, Houghton commented: “I’m over the moon to have another year to look forward to at this amazing Club.
“Manchester City has been my home for almost ten years, and I love everything about it –it’s my club, and to sign for another year, I’m absolutely buzzing.”
Reflecting upon the fact that she will have been part of the club for a decade come November, Houghton added: “When I first joined, I just wanted to be here as long as I could, and to play at the top level, so I never really put a number on it.
“Once you get closer to that decade mark though, you do think about the idea of hitting that milestone.”
Houghton also hinted that she is still eager for success at 35 years-old and isn’t thinking of retirement, as she continued: “I feel good in myself and my body, and I’m really enjoying my football, so it was an easy decision for me in all honesty.
“Both on and off the pitch, I feel as though I’ve got a lot to give in terms of my expertise and experience with the rest of the girls, and I’ll be continuing to support everyone as much as I can.
“Ultimately though, my happiness has always been the most important thing for me in my career, and I am so happy to be sitting here with another year in City blue to come.”
City’s Women Head Coach, Gareth Taylor described Houghton’s decision to stay with the club as “fantastic news.”
Taylor also echoed Houghton’s comments about her desire for success, as he added: “She is such a huge part of the Club as a whole and the impact she has had during her time here so far –whether it be on or off the pitch – is testament to that.
“Steph is such an important member of our squad and her experience is invaluable. She is the consummate professional, with her team mentality at the forefront of everything that she does.”
With Houghton now set to spend a full decade at City, Taylor iterated that milestone is one which has been “thoroughly deserved.”
Taylor also spoke of Houghton’s impact upon the sport as he concluded: “Her hunger and desire to win and succeed is something that makes her one of the game’s legends, and having the opportunity to work with her for another year is something we’re all thrilled about.”
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