LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Rico Lewis, Manchester City versatile defender, has been awarded a new deal through 2028 in recognition of his outstanding first season with the champions.
The 18-year-old made 23 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s first squad last season as City won the treble, taking home the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
Lewis’ contract was supposed to expire at the end of the current campaign, but he now has a long and promising future with the team.
He can play in defense or midfield, and he started in City’s 3-0 victory against Burnley on Friday to mark the grand opening of their championship defense in the Premier League.
“It’s been an unbelievable year for me and now to sign this contract is a dream come true. As a City fan I can remember watching us winning trophies when I was young and it’s the only place I’ve wanted to be,” Lewis said.
“To know I’m going to be here until 2028 is fantastic and I can’t wait to keep working and keep improving.
“Everyone at the Club has been so amazing, starting with the Academy where I learnt so much and I am hugely grateful for everything they did.
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“The fans have been brilliant too and I’ll give everything for them and the Club to try to keep us being successful.”
City’s sporting director Txiki Begiristain described Lewis as “a really intelligent footballer and already a mature and reliable member of the squad“.
He added: “He absorbs every single piece of information Pep gives him, which for a player of his age is special.
“We are very proud to have watched his journey through the Academy and to see him playing with such confidence in the first team.
“His energy and hunger around the squad is contagious and we believe he can help to bring more success in the coming years.”
In the UEFA Super Cup match between Man City and Sevilla on Wednesday in Athens, the teen may take home yet another title.