Defender, Nathan Ake has signed a new four-year contract at Manchester City until June 2027.
Ake has scored seven goals in 81 appearances for Man City since he made the switch from Bournemouth in August 2020, during which he has helped City clinch six trophies including three consecutive Premier League titles plus one title in FA Cup, EFL Cup and Champions League.
The Dutch defender last season made 41 appearances, as City achieved a historic treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League titles.
“This is the best club in the world, I have no doubts about that,” commented Ake upon signing his new contract.
“Being a Manchester City player makes me incredibly proud every single day.”
Ake went on to speak of how the club’s environment motivates him as a player, as he continued: “It’s a football club that expects excellence in every area, which makes for the perfect environment to improve.
“It drives me on and makes me better. I am at the stage of my career where I want to keep developing and I can definitely do that here.”
Ake also praised manager, Pep Guardiola for helping him improve as a player, as he added: “Pep is the best manager in football – a genius who has made me see the game differently – so to be able to work with him for longer is a real privilege.
“I am so grateful to him for everything he has done for me, both personally and professionally.”
Looking ahead to the new season, Ake turned his attention to City fans as he concluded: “I also want to thank the City fans for their support. I have really felt it since I came here, and it helps me so much. My focus now is on making them proud and winning more trophies.”
City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain meanwhile is “delighted” that Ake has decided to stay for four more years, as he iterated that the 28 year-old can still develop in coming years.
“There is no doubt he was a very important part of our Treble success last season, but I believe he can be even better.
“Technically, tactically and physically he has everything we want in a defender – and he is so professional, dedicated and willing to learn, which for Pep is an ideal scenario.”
Begiristain also paid tribute to Ake for his attitude as he added: “Nathan is also an incredible human being who has the respect of absolutely everybody at the Club.
“I am really happy for him and his family, and I am excited to see what more he can achieve here at City in the coming years.”
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