England and Manchester City captain Steph Houghton has signed a contract extension to stay with Manchester City until 2022.
Houghton, 31, joined the club in 2014 from Arsenal and has made over 160 appearances for the club, lifting three Continental Cups, two FA Cups and one FA Women’s Super League title.
The centre back was awarded an MBE for her services to football in 2016 and has won 117 caps for England – skippering the Lionesses since 2014 and leading them to a World Cup bronze medal and successive semi-finals in major tournaments.
Speaking about her contract extension, Houghton said: “I’m really delighted. I’ve been here for six years and I’ve been made to feel at home.
“I have loved every minute of the last six years.
“It’s been an amazing journey – so many memories made – and I’m looking forward to working even harder to make some more at this unbelievable club!
“I’ve enjoyed so many amazing memories here so far, winning trophies and with the players I’ve played with and manager I’ve worked under.
“I’ve seen the Club from the beginning – back when we only had five professional players – and I’ve seen it grow to be the best Club in England and if not Europe.
“I came here with the intention of winning trophies, bettering myself as an individual and a player, playing for a team who plays good football and could be the best in England.
“I believe this Club can go as far as it wants to go.
“Both on and off the pitch, the Club has developed me as a player and a person, having the people we have around us, the unbelievable facilities and Stadium.
“It’s a special place for me and my family live in Manchester now. It was a pretty easy decision.
“My only thought was to have my future here for the next few years and I’m really happy.”
Gavin Makel on Steph Houghton contract extension
Head of Women’s Football Gavin Makel added: “We are thrilled that Steph has committed her future to Manchester City.
“She has been an integral member of not only the team, but the Club as a whole since our reformation six years ago and her efforts go well beyond her performances on the pitch.
“Her leadership skills are second to none and she never fails to amaze everybody here at Manchester City with her passion, drive and hunger to improve.”