Roberto Mancini signs new five-year Manchester City deal

Roberto Mancini has signed a new five-year contract with Premier League champions Manchester City. This puts an end to rumours and speculation of Mancini leaving England to get a big-money deal at the Russian national team. Roberto Mancini replaced Mark Hughes as City manager in December 2009, after winning the title in Italy with Inter. He guided the Citizens to the FA Cup in 2011 and then, a year later, secured their first league title since 1968. "Manchester City is a fantastic football club," Mancini said after putting pen to paper on the new deal. "I am very much looking forward to the challenges and excitement ahead. I am delighted to be able to give all of my efforts to Manchester City for a further five years. The opportunity which exists to build on our recent success is enormous," he added. Manchester City begin their defence of the Premier League title at home to Southampton on 19 August, but Mancini has also has a the Champions League campaign to prepare. "This new agreement allows Roberto to focus on the challenge of guiding a team which is capable not only of defending the Premier League title, but one which can compete for European honours," said City's interim chief executive John MacBeath. Roberto Mancini has led Manchester City in 141 games and he recorded 85 wins, 26 draws and 30 losses.