Pep Guardiola has signed a new, two-year contract with Manchester City, the club has announced.
Reports emerged on Thursday morning that the former Barcelona and Bayern boss had agreed to remain at the club beyond his previous deal, which ran out this summer.
Later on in the day, the club confirmed the news themselves.
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Guardiola has been with City since 2016, and in that time has led the club to two Premier League titles and one FA Cup triumph, though a coveted Champions League success continues to evade him with the Etihad outfit.
With his previous contract ending in seven months, City were keen to either tie him down or make preparations without him for next season in order to avoid speculation which would hamper their attempts to reclaim the Premier League title from Liverpool.
Guardiola used the two-week international break to make his decision, and ultimately opted to remain as manager.
The 49-year-old has never spent more than four campaigns as manager of the one club, with his tenures at Barcelona and Bayern lasting four and three seasons respectively.
Guardiola staying could, crucially, also play an important part in Man City's pursuit of Lionel Messi.
Following Barcelona's humiliating exit from the Champions League at the hands of Bayern in the summer, the Argentine requested to leave the club.
He would eventually stay, eager to avoid a legal dispute and a sour exit from the club he has been with since the age of 13.
When it seemed possible he may leave, Man City led the pack to secure a transfer, and with his former coach Guardiola now set to stay, it could present a desirable scenario for the multiple Ballon d'Or winner to come to the Premier League.
Confirming the new deal, Man City Chairman Khaldoon Mubarak said: “It is testament to the qualities of the man that Pep Guardiola’s passion and intelligent approach are now woven into the very fabric of the football we play and our culture as Club. That impact has been central to our success during his tenure and it is why I am delighted that he shares our view that there is so much more to be achieved both on and off the field.
“Pep’s contract extension is the natural next step in a journey which has evolved over many years. It is a product of the mutual trust and respect that exists between him and the entire Club.
"It also goes to the stability and creativity at the heart of our football operations. Importantly it is a validation of the football structure and philosophy that has been built over more than a decade and to which he has contributed so much.
“I’m sure all City fans share my delight in this new agreement and in anticipating the exciting opportunities that, with continued hard work, are there to be taken.”
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