Pep Guardiola says he has not ruled out signing a new contract with Manchester City.
Guardiola’s current deal is due to expire next summer and appeared to hint after steering City to a fourth successive Premier League title in May that next season could be his last at the club.
However, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss on Friday opened the door for his time at the Etihad to be extended into a 10th year.
Speaking during the club’s pre-season tour of New York, he discussed his future on the eve of City’s friendly against AC Milan at Yankee Stadium.
“When I’m leaving, I will say I’m leaving, but I didn’t say that,” Guardiola, who has led City to six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a maiden Champions League among a host of honours, told reporters.
“We will see what happens. But I will not rule it out absolutely to extend my contract. I would love to stay because I would love to stay.
“Nine years today in the same club is an eternity. So I want to be sure it’s the right decision. Not just for me, for the club, for the players.
“Still they run like they ran for eight years, it doesn’t matter the competition, it doesn’t matter the tournament and this is what I have to see.
“I am sure eight more years I won’t stay! It’s good to refresh, for players and managers.
“At the same time we have had success and are still winning Premier Leagues, arriving in the last stages and we are playing competitions like the Champions League. This is my feeling right now.”
More to follow…
