German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has signed a new three-year contract extension with Manchester City to keep him at the club until 2023.
Gundogan, 28, was City manager Pep Guardiola’s first signing in 2016 but could have walked away from the club for free next summer.
He recovered from serious injury to help City lift two Premier League titles, playing a vital role in last season’s domestic treble-winning season.
His signing will be a boost in a week when City lost Leroy Sane to an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee during last weekend’s Community Shield game against Liverpool.
Guardiola has admitted that Sane could be out for up to seven months, with City set for tactical reshuffles to accommodate his absence for much of the forthcoming season.
With Sane out until February or March, Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva seem likely to get more playing time out wide for City.
The way seems clear for Gundogan and Phil Foden to get more time on the pitch in central midfield for the forthcoming season when newly named club captain David Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne, get a rest.
Gundogan told mancity.com: “I am very happy to have signed the new contract.”
“I have hugely enjoyed the last three years here at City and everyone at the Club has helped make me feel at home from my very first day.
“I think we have played some great football over the past few seasons and have enjoyed a lot of success.
“It’s a pleasure to be a part of the Club and I’m really excited about what we can go on to achieve in the next few seasons.”
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “Ilkay’s new deal is more excellent news for our Club.
“He has shown how important he is to the team and has played a huge part in everything that we have achieved so far.
“We are thrilled he has committed his long-term future to Manchester City.”