LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP)— Pep Guardiola has extended his contract as Manchester City manager for a further two seasons, the Premier League champions announced Thursday.

The 53-year-old Spaniard would have been out of contract on July 1 next year, but has now agreed a new two-year contract extension.

Guardiola’s decision to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium is a boost to City as they wait to discover if they will be punished after being charged with 115 alleged breaches of Premier League rules — charges the club deny completely.

Guardiola took charge at City in 2016 and has since led them to six Premier League titles, with the last four coming in succession — an English record.

He led City to a league, FA Cup and Champions League treble in 2023, while the club also won the League Cup four years in a row under him between 2018 and 2021.

Guardiola, who previously enjoyed a trophy-laden career as a player and coach at Barcelona before taking charge of German giants Bayern Munich, said: “Manchester City means so much to me. This is my ninth season here; we have experienced so many amazing times together.

“I have a really special feeling for this football club. That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two more seasons.”