City sign key duo to new deals

Manchester City have secured the long-term futures of key squad players Adam Johnson and Pablo Zabaleta.

Both have found themselves on the fringes of the starting line-up this season with just five Premier League starts between them, but manager Roberto Mancini is keen to maintain a strong squad with City competing in the Champions League this term.

Johnson joined City from Middlesbrough in January 2010, and has since gone on to win nine England caps, scoring two goals, and the 24-year-old believes he is in the right place to challenge for trophies and medals.

“I wouldn’t have signed if I didn’t see a big future here,” Johnson told the club’s website.

“This is such an exciting time to be at the club, things are moving so fast and there’s been something new every day in the two years since I’ve been here.”

Zabaleta, who joined from Espanyol in 2008 just before the takeover by Sheikh Mansour, is also delighted to resolve his future, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season.

“I’m in a very good team and I try to do my best for the club, the team and the fans,” he said.

“I didn’t think twice, I gave a very quick answer because I was so happy to sign.”