Laporte pens extension at City

Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte has signed a two-year contract extension at the club to keep him there until 2025.

The French defender joined City in January 2018 from La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao for a reported fee of £57 million.

Announced on the club website the 24-year-old is delighted to be staying in Manchester. He said:

“I could not be happier to commit my long-term future to Manchester City,” said the centre-back.

“Since the day I arrived here, I have been made to feel welcome by Pep [Guardiola] and all the players.

“This club offers me everything I need to improve my game. I’ve already made great strides and I want to continue getting better and better.”

Laporte has featured 36 times for City in all competitions and has featured in every Premier League game to date.

City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain spoke of his delight to lock up one of the club’s young building blocks for years to come:

“Aymeric is a huge talent and the fact he has committed his best years to us is something to celebrate,” he said.

“We want to construct a young, vibrant side, and Aymeric fits perfectly into our plans. His style of play suits us and his attitude since the day he arrived has been first class.

“He can be as good as he wants to be, and Manchester City will be a better side with him in it over the coming seasons.”

Laporte has scored four goals for Guardiola’s side in all competitions, his latest strike coming in a 2-0 victory over Everton on February 6.