Man City confirm Kyle Walker extension as Blues break their usual contract rule

Kyle Walker has signed his long-awaited Manchester City contract extension, which will see him spend a ninth season at the Etihad.

Walker was close to leaving City this summer after being left out of the Champions League final, as Bayern Munich made a move to sign the England defender. It looked as if Walker would make a switch to the German champions, but he has featured in every City game this summer - most as captain - and the Blues did enough to convince him to stay.

Now, Walker has signed a two-year contract extension on top of the deal that was set to expire next summer, taking him to the summer of 2026 when he will be 36.

The move breaks with City's usual stance of not offering longer-term contract extensions to players over 30, with Ilkay Gundogan only receiving the two years he wanted when it was too late, and he decided to join Barcelona in the summer.

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After signing his new deal, Walker said the intention was to win more trophies over the next three years of his stay at the Etihad. “I’m thrilled to sign a new deal. My future is with Manchester City and that is the best thing for me," he said.

“I’ve enjoyed every single moment of the past six years at this fantastic Club. I have an amazing coach, great team-mates and staff and our fans are the best. I feel supported on every single level.

“The Treble-winning season is one I will never forget and we’re ready to go again and try to win more trophies. I am delighted to continue at a Club that competes for trophies every year and I can’t wait to see what the next few years bring.”

Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said: “We are very happy that Kyle will be here until