Ruben Dias signs a new six-year contract at Manchester City as the Portugal defender is rewarded for the stunning form that helped his side recapture the Premier League title
- Ruben Dias signed a six-year deal when he arrived at Man City last summer
- But after an excellent first season in England, he has agreed new terms
- The Portugal defender played a key role in their Premier League title victory
Ruben Dias has signed a contract at Manchester City until 2027.
The Portugal defender agreed a six-year deal only last September when he joined City from Benfica in a £65million transfer.
But Dias has made such an impact in his first season at the Etihad that the Premier League champions have decided to offer him improved terms.
Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has signed a six-year contract to stay up to 2027
The Portugal defender has been rewarded for his part in helping City win the league
The 24-year-old, who helped Pep Guardiola’s side win the title and League Cup as well as reaching the Champions League final, was voted Football Writers’ Player of the Year and UEFA Defender of the Season for 2020/21.
Dias said: ‘I’m very happy to sign the new deal. I have enjoyed every single minute of my time at City since joining last year.
‘Playing for City has surpassed all my expectations and it’s an absolute pleasure to be part of such an incredible squad.
‘I would also like to thank Pep and the coaching staff for the way they have helped me to develop as a player and keep pushing me to improve.
‘To be part of the squad that achieved so much last season was incredible and made us all hungry to achieve even more.
‘Now I just want to try and play my part in helping us be successful this season and beyond.’
City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain added: ‘Ruben’s new deal is great news for our club.
‘Although he only joined us less than a year ago, in that time Ruben has already proved to be such a vital part of our squad.
‘And it tells you everything about his quality and importance to the club that we wanted to recognise his impact with this new contract.
‘He is everything you would want in a central defender and so much more and he will be a big part of our drive to bring even more success to the club over the next few years.’
Dias set his sights on more silverware with City after putting pen to paper on fresh terms
Dias featured for City in their impressive 5-0 victory against Arsenal on Saturday
Speaking back in April, Pep Guardiola hailed the immediate impact Dias had made on the City squad.
‘He has been so important so far,’ Guardiola said. ‘Still you have two months before the end of the season, but he has been so important for the continuity and leadership and for the quality when he has played.’
Dias played in City’s 5-0 win over Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, and the defending champions are seventh in the table after two wins from their first three games.
After the international break, Dias and City resume their campaign with an away trip to Leicester.