Mancini extends Man City stay by five years

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.”