MANCHESTER, England (AFP)
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has agreed terms on a new
deal that will keep the Italian at Eastlands for another five
years, the English Premier League champions said Monday.
"Manchester City Football Club today are pleased to announce that
a new contract has been agreed with manager Roberto Mancini,"
said a club statement.
"The deal, which runs until the summer of 2017, follows the
club's most successful season in more than four decades, which
concluded in the most dramatic of circumstances in the team's
thrilling 3-2 win over Queens Park Rangers in May this year."
That victory, on the final day of the season, saw City crowned
champions of England for the first time in 44 years as they
pipped local rivals and defending title-holders Manchester United
to the Premier League trophy on goal difference.
Former Inter Milan boss Mancini replaced Mark Hughes, now in
charge of top-flight rivals Queens Park Rangers, when the
Welshman was sacked in December 2009.
In his first full season with City, Mancini ended the club's
35-year wait for major silverware by guiding the team to the FA
Cup and also secured Champions League football with a third-place
finish in the Premier League.
"I am delighted to be able to give all of my efforts to
Manchester City for a further five years," Mancini told City's
official website on Monday.
"The opportunity which exists to build on our recent success is
enormous. Manchester City is a fantastic football club, from the
owner, chairman, board and the executive team, through to the
players, staff and fans," the 47-year-old former Italy forward
added.
"I am very much looking forward to the challenges and excitement
ahead."
