Manchester City captain Steph Houghton has agreed a contract extension to stay with the club for the ‘immediate future’ beyond this summer.
Houghton, 33, has been with the club for eight years – ever since the modern reformation of the club in the Women’s Super League.
City’s record appearance holder with 206 appearances, scoring 21 goals in all competitions, was made an MBE in 2016.
And she has lifted seven trophies with City in her time at the club – three Women’s FA Cups, three Continental Tyres Cups, and one Barclays Women’s Super League title.
She has also been the captain of the England women’s team with over 120 caps since her time at City and helped the team reach the semi finals of the last two FIFA Women’s World Cups as well as leading the team in her second Olympic Games appearance.
Speaking about her new contract, Houghton said: “I’m delighted to sign an extension here at City.
“Once the talks started, there was only ever going to be one outcome and it was the easiest decision I’ve ever made, to commit my future to this football club and continue on this unbelievable journey.
“It’s been a really good week with me making my comeback from injury too – it’s been a really tough four months, but I’m just so happy to be back on the pitch now.
“The eight years I’ve been here so far have flown by – when people say how long it is, I really can’t believe it!
“For me though, it’s always been about being at Manchester City and being a part of this Club, for now and for the future.
“That’s why I wanted to commit – to really show my loyalty to my team, to my Club and to everybody who has helped me along the way so far.”
Gareth Taylor, Manchester City Women Head Coach, added: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Steph has committed her immediate future to City.
“What she has contributed to this Club and women’s football as a whole throughout her career so far is incredible – she is a true legend of the game in all senses of the word.
“Not only does she give everything she has on the pitch, she also maintains the highest level of commitment off it in terms of supporting her teammates and helping them to improve, and that sums up just how much of a consummate professional she is.
“Her contributions and dedication to the team and the Club as a whole are so incredibly important, with the successes and records she has achieved so far testament to that.
“It has been such a privilege working with her over the last year-and-a-half and I’m incredibly excited to continue that moving forwards.”