Ireland extends City stay
Stephen Ireland has been superb for City this season
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Thursday, 28, May 2009 09:55
Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has been rewarded for an outstanding season with a new five-year contract.
The 22-year-old has been the star performer at Eastlands this season and has managed to overshadow the big-names arrivals at the club. Ireland's former contract ended in 2011, but he has now signed on until 2014.
Ireland was delighted to have secured his long-term future at City and is now aiming to finish his career at the club.
"I'm settled here - I love the club, I love the fans, and I don't see what's going to make me leave this club," said Ireland.
"I never had any doubts about staying. Regardless, I was going to be here, and hopefully for the remainder of my career. I don't see why not. I really want to become a hero here, to hopefully achieve things.
"These are very exciting times. It's going to be interesting just to see what the line-up will be at the start of next season and how far we can push on. Hopefully we can compete for the title and get back into Europe."
Ireland had a difficult season last year under then manager Sven Goran Eriksson and his future at the club was uncertain after the club was taken over by billionaire Sheik Mansour.
Expensive players like Robinho, Nigel De Jong and Craig Bellamy arrived at the club, but it was Ireland who became the most important member of the team.
"Stephen's new contract is great news for everyone concerned. He was outstanding last season and is now one of the best midfielders in the Premier League," said City manager Mark Hughes.