MX23RW : Monday, December 23 15:53:23| >> :600:526069:526069:

Steph Houghton signs new Manchester City contract to 2022

Steph Houghton signs new Manchester City contract to 2022
© Reuters
The 31-year-old will remain at the club until the summer of 2022.

England Women captain Steph Houghton has signed a new contract with Super League leaders Manchester City.

Houghton has extended her tenure at the club by two years, keeping her a part of the squad until the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

The centre-back has captained the Blues to three Continental Cups, two FA Cups and a league title, plus consecutive Women's Champions League semi-finals.

"I'm really delighted," she told the club's official website. "I've been here for six years and I've been made to feel at home – this is my club and I've enjoyed so many amazing memories here so far, winning trophies and with the players I've played with and manager I've worked under.

"I've seen the club from the beginning – back when we only had five professional players – and I've seen the club grow to be the best club in England and if not Europe.

"I came here with the intention of winning trophies, bettering myself as an individual and a player, playing for a team who plays good football and could be the best in England. I believe this club can go as far as it wants to go."

England captain Houghton has been at the club since 2014
England captain Houghton has been at the club since 2014 (Richard Sellers/PA)

Houghton, 31, first joined City in 2014 and has since made 160 appearances in between leading the Lionesses to a World Cup bronze medal in 2015 and gaining an MBE for services to football in 2016.

"I really feel there's more to come from myself," she continued. "This is the right club for me to continue to improve and I feel I'm in the best physical shape I've ever been in. Every time I go out onto the training pitch, I have more energy and enthusiasm, and I want to learn.

"Even though I'm a little older – and I was when I first came – it's important to have the drive to be the best. I've certainly got that."

Head of women's football Gavin Makel recognised Houghton's pivotal role in the success of the team, adding: "We are thrilled that Steph has committed her future to Manchester City.

"She has been an integral member of not only the team, but the club as a whole since our reformation six years ago and her efforts go well beyond her performances on the pitch.

"Her leadership skills are second to none and she never fails to amaze everybody here at Manchester City with her passion, drive and hunger to improve."

ID:387404: cacheID:387404:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:6179:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Vivianne Miedema in action for Arsenal in May 2018
Read Next:
WSL roundup: Arsenal move two clear at top
>
Read more about Steph Houghton Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!