Karen Bardsley has extended her contract with Manchester City Women for two additional years.
The England goalkeeper was one of the club’s first signings as they joined the FA Women’s Super League in January 2014.
She has become an integral part of the team which lifted the FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup trophy in their inaugural season, going to on win that trophy again as part of a historic domestic treble for the club as they became League Champions and won the SSE Women’s FA Cup for the first time.
The team also reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League during the 2016/17 season – being knocked out by defending champions and current title holders Lyon.
Bardsley, 32, who started her football career in the US before moving to Europe with Swedish club Linköpings FC and Lincoln Ladies, is now studying for her Masters in Sports Directorship at the club’s partner institution, Manchester Metropolitan University.
Understandably excited by the contract extension, Bardsley commented: “When I first signed with the club they wanted to become a professional, competitive team that could challenge for titles and I am proud to have been a part of this incredible journey over the last three seasons.
“The support of everyone at the club, from the coaching staff to the fans, has been unbelievable and Manchester City’s vision for growing the women’s game is as ambitious as ever.
“We’ve got an exciting season ahead and I can’t wait to go after even more success with the team when we kick off the new season in September.”
Nick Cushing, Head Coach of Manchester City Women, added: “Karen’s professionalism and drive to improve every day is exceptional and I’m delighted she has extended her contract with the club.
“Her positive attitude and work ethic on and off the pitch has made her an incredible role model and I am confident the younger players in the squad will continue to learn a lot from training alongside her.”