Manchester City
Premier League • England
Man City latest: Pep Guardiola secures ‘incredible human being’ who has ‘everything’ treble winners need for further glory
Man City quartet Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake
Nathan Ake is excited to continue working with ‘genius’ Pep Guardiola after Manchester City extended the contract of a player they greatly admire.
The 28-year-old has been with the Citizens for three seasons after signing from Bournemouth during the summer of 2020. The Netherlands international has enjoyed 81 outings in all competitions, with 41 of those coming last season. He was a key member of the treble-winning side, making 26 Premier League appearances.
The former Watford loan star was also seen eight times in the Champions League, playing the full 90 minutes in the final.
He inked a five-year contract three years ago but has now tagged two more onto that deal.
TEAMtalk revealed back in April that City were on the cusp of offering the talented stopper fresh terms.
And it seems as though the versatile defender did not have to be asked twice to sign on the dotted line.
“This is the best club in the world, I have no doubts about that,” he told the club’s official website.
“Being a Manchester City player makes me incredibly proud every single day.
“It’s a club that expects excellence in every area, which makes for the perfect environment to improve.”
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Ake has improved immeasurably since arriving at the Etihad. And it is clear that he credits his manager with a continual upward trend.
“I am at the stage of my career where I want to keep developing and I can definitely do that here,” he added.
“Pep [Guardiola] is the best manager in football – a genius who has made me see the game differently – so to be able to work with him for longer is a real privilege.
“I am so grateful to him for everything he has done for me, both personally and professionally.”
Ake tailor made for Man City
Ake joined the Chelsea youth setup in 2010 after beginning his career with Feyenoord.
He made 17 senior appearances for the Blues, while also enjoying loan stints with Reading, Watford and the Cherries.
Bournemouth made his move permanent in June 17 and it was on the south coast that his career blossomed under Eddie Howe.
Manchester City paid £41m for the man from The Hague and it seems to be money well spent.
He is clearly valued by the north-west giants. And City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain revealed just why his extension is so important for the club.
“We have been delighted with Nathan’s development, so it’s great news for this club that he is extending his time with us,” he said.
“There is no doubt he was a very important part of our treble success last season, but I believe he can be even better.
“Technically, tactically and physically he has everything we want in a defender – and he is so professional, dedicated and willing to learn, which for Pep is an ideal scenario.
“Nathan is also an incredible human being who has the respect of absolutely everybody at the club.”