Gabriel Jesus signs City contract extension

Gabriel Jesus has signed a new two-year contract extension with Manchester City, keeping him at the Etihad until 2023.

Jesus, still only 21-years-old, has been rewarded for settling well at City since completing his move from Palmeiras in early 2017.

The Brazil international has scored 24 goals in 53 appearances for the club so far, despite several unfortunate injuries and sharing the lone-striker spot with Sergio Aguero.

“I would like to thank the fans for the welcome and for how well they have treated me,” Jesus said, upon the announcement of his new contract.

“I can say that it was the best decision I’ve made in my life to come to Manchester City because whilst I’m here I’m improving as a professional and as a person.”

Txiki Begiristain, City’s director of football, said, “Gabriel is undoubtedly one of the best young forwards in world football, so to have him commit his future to us is a huge boost.”

“There’s so much variety in his game. I know how much Pep enjoys working with him and I am really looking forward to watching his development in the coming years.”

Jesus’ new contract extends his previous deal, which was set to expire in the summer of 2021.

YOU CAN ALSO READ: Manchester City sign Riyad Mahrez from Leicester

Negotiations between City and Jesus’ representatives over renewed terms began late last year, only to then be postponed until the end of the campaign.

Jesus was reluctant to speak about negotiations during the second half of last season but stressed throughout how happy he was to be at City working under Pep Guardiola.

The Brazilian has now joined Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson, David Silva, Fernandinho and Nicolas Otamendi in renewing his commitment to the Etihad within the last year.

The Premier League champions are understood to be looking to agree further new deals with Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sané, whose current contracts expire in 2020 and 2021 respectively.