STEPH HOUGHTON has sealed a new deal with Manchester City almost a decade on from joining the WSL giants from Arsenal.
The contract extension for the Citizens captain, 35, who is City Women’s record-appearance holder, runs until next summer.
It will see the centre-back, left out of England’s squad for this year’s World Cup, reach her tenth anniversary at the club in November.
Her new deal comes almost a week on from striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw committing her future to Man City for the next two years.
Houghton, who has made 233 City appearances, said: “When I first joined, I just wanted to be here as long as I could, and to play at the top level, so I never really put a number on it.
“Once you get closer to that decade mark though, you do think about the idea of hitting that milestone.
“I feel good in myself and my body, and I’m really enjoying my football, so it was an easy decision for me in all honesty.
“On and off the pitch, I feel as though I’ve got a lot to give in terms of my expertise and experience with the rest of the girls, and I’ll be continuing to support everyone as much as I can.
“Ultimately though, my happiness has always been the most important thing for me in my career.
“I am so happy to be sitting here with another year in City blue to come.
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“Manchester City has been my home for almost ten years, and I love everything about it – it’s my club, and to sign for another year, I’m absolutely buzzing.”
Houghton began her senior playing career at Sunderland in 2002.
She spent five years at the side before silverware-winning spells at Leeds and then Arsenal before her City move in 2013.
The Durham-born centre-back has lifted 15 major domestic trophies, including eight with the Citizens who finished fourth in the WSL last term.
Among Houghton’s silverware wins with Man City are one WSL title, three FA Cups and four Continental Tyres trophies.
Head coach Gareth Taylor added: “Steph is such a huge part of the club as a whole and the impact she has had during her time here so far – whether it be on or off the pitch – is testament to that.
“She is such an important member of our squad and her experience is invaluable.
“She is the consummate professional, with her team mentality at the forefront of everything that she does.
“Over 230 appearances and eight trophies show exactly how important she has been to the growth of this club.
“The fact that she will surpass a decade of service with this new deal is thoroughly deserved.
“Her hunger and desire to win and succeed is something that makes her one of the game’s legends.”
Houghton’s new contract comes five days after the former England captain was left out of Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses’ squad for the World Cup this summer.
The England boss said the centre-back had been the topic of conversations she had with her technical staff concerning player selection.
Houghton’s contract extension follows a season which has saw her net twice in 14 top-flight appearances for City.
On the international stage the WSL ace has played in five major tournaments including the 2019 World Cup and has 121 senior caps.
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Next term will see Houghton and her team-mates battle to reclaim a Champions League spot as well as attempting to win their first WSL title since 2016
Last season they missed out on a top three WSL finish top required to qualify to compete in the Champions League.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
