Football: Vincent Kompany latest star to extend Manchester City stay

Vincent Kompany controlling a ball during a training session ahead of the 2014 World Cup, in Stockholm in May. Kompany has signed a new five-year contract with English Premier League champions Manchester City, it was announced on Wednesday. -- PHOTO:
Vincent Kompany controlling a ball during a training session ahead of the 2014 World Cup, in Stockholm in May. Kompany has signed a new five-year contract with English Premier League champions Manchester City, it was announced on Wednesday. -- PHOTO:  REUTERS

LONDON (AFP) - Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has signed a new five-year contract with the English Premier League champions, the club announced Wednesday.

"This team is stronger now than it's ever been; we have competition for places in every position and a dressing room full of exceptional, motivated people who want to continue making history together," the Belgium central defender said in a City statement.

"Lifting two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Capital One (League) Cup have been four of the best days of my life but I believe that there are many more of these occasions ahead," Kompany added.

"There are so many new landmarks and records to chase and I hope signing this new contract is taken as a statement of intent that I want to keep fighting for trophies for this special club."

"We have a common goal and so much to look forward to - a family of clubs, the opening of City Football Academy, exciting players coming through our youth system - why would I go anywhere else?"

Kompany joined City from Hamburg as a 22-year-old in 2008, ahead of the club's takeover by Sheikh Mansour, their wealthy Abu Dhabi-based owner.

He was appointed City captain ahead of the 2011/12 season and helped the club to the Premier League title in his first full campaign as skipper.

Kompany has made more than 240 appearances for City in all competitions.

His decision to stay at the Etihad came 24 hours after Spain playmaker David Silva announced he too had signed a new five-year deal with City.

Re-signing players had become increasingly important for a City side who are working under the restrictions of a net £49 million (S$102 million) cap on their pre-season transfer spending as punishment for breaching the financial fair play rules of European football governing body UEFA.

Both Samir Nasri and Aleksandar Kolarov have also agreed extensions to their contracts with City, while this week the club signed France defender Eliaquim Mangala from Portuguese side Porto for a reported £32 million in what was City's sixth pre-season purchase.

Meanwhile England midfielder Frank Lampard, who is to join sister City's club New York City FC, has also agreed a loan move to the Etihad, having been a mainstay at Premier League rivals Chelsea, ahead of the start of the new US Major League Soccer season.

City begin the defence of their Premier League title away to Newcastle on Sunday.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.