Midfielder Silva extends City contract to 2020

LONDON: Spanish midfielder David Silva (pic) has extended his contract with Manchester City by one year to 2020, the English Premier League leaders announced.

Silva, 31, has become one of City’s most decorated players since joining in 2010 and has played a pivotal role this season as Pep Guardiola’s side have surged to the top of the table.

“I am so happy to have committed my future to City,” Silva said.

“I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved at City in my 7½ seasons here and with Pep in charge, I feel we are in a great position to win trophies this season and beyond.

“The style of football we are playing is a pleasure to be a part of and I look forward to winning more titles in the years to come.”

Silva joined City from Valencia and has contributed to two Premier League title wins, two League Cup triumphs and one FA Cup success during his time at the Etihad.

Sporting a newly-shaven head this season, he has formed a devastating midfield partnership with Kevin De Bruyne, scoring one goal and pro- viding 10 assists in all competitions.

The artful, left-footed midfielder has been capped 118 times by Spain, scoring 35 goals, and was a member of the squad that triumphed at Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

“We are very pleased with this announcement,” said City director of football Txiki Begiristain.

“Not only has David Silva been central to the club’s success over recent years, he remains one of the team’s key players.

“He has shown again this season that he is the best creative midfielder in English football and he will be very important in developing our talented young players in the coming years.”