Stephen Ireland signed a new five year contract with Manchester City on Thursday and then promptly declared he never wanted to leave Eastlands.
The deal was due reward for the midfielder’s buoyant performance this season which saw him nominated as the club’s player of the year – and that for a player whose future appeared uncertain after losing his way under former manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
But after forcing his way into new boss Mark Hughes’ side at the start of the season, Ireland has never relinquished his place despite a total overhaul of the City midfield under the club’s billionaire owners.
“I never had any doubts about staying,” Ireland told the club’s website.
“Regardless, I was going to be here, and hopefully for the remainder of my career. I don’t see why not. I really want to become a hero here, to hopefully achieve things.
“I’m settled here. I love the club, I love the fans and I don’t see what’s going to make me leave this club.”
Ireland is now looking forward to seeing what new names come through City’s doors in what promises to be a busy close season on the transfer market.
“These are very exciting times,” he said. “It’s going to be interesting just to see what the line-up will be at the start of next season and how far we can push on.
“Hopefully we can compete for the title and get back into Europe.”
Hughes said Ireland’s new contract was great news.
“He was outstanding all last season and is now one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
“He thoroughly deserves all the praise that has gone his way after the hard work that he undertook last summer, and I know that he is already aiming to do even better for us next season and beyond,” said the City manager.
