Hart signs new deal with City

Joe Hart has put pen to paper on a new five-year contract with Manchester City, the club has confirmed.

The 24-year-old keeper arrived at City for a fee of just 600,000 pounds from Shrewsbury Town in 2006, but has established himself as number one for both club and country over the past year with a string of composed displays.

On signing the deal, Hart told the club’s official website: “I’m absolutely delighted to have signed a new deal and it is a very exciting time to be a City player.”

“I can’t think of myself being anywhere other than City and it really feels like home. I feel very privileged to be staying here for another five years.”

“When I signed from Shrewsbury it was always my aim to become the number one here and I was prepared to do anything to achieve that, including going out on loan a few times to prove my worth.”

Hart’s impressive form resulted in former City keeper Shay Given having to leave for Aston Villa this summer in a bid to regain regular first-team football, but Hart was quick to acknowledge his close friend’s contribution in the development of his game.

“Shay’s influence on me has been massive and being able to work alongside me has brought my game on tremendously,” he said.

“I’ve lost a close friend and a fantastic team-mate but I’ll keep in touch and talk with him on a regular basis.”

“Shay was always appreciative to the situation here at City and backed me all the way, as I would have done for him if the tables had been turned.”

“I’ll continue to learn from Shay even though he’s now playing for Villa just by watching him on TV.”