Veteran goalkeeper Karen Bardsley has signed a one year contract extension to stay with Manchester City until the summer of 2022.
Bardsley, 36, is one of a select band of players to reach 100 appearances in all competitions for City – a landmark she reached in November 2020.
Injury has meant she missed out on the final squad for Team GB’s Olympic Games squad in Tokyo having spent the second half of last season on loan with OL Reign in the NWSL in order to try and cement a spot after appearing in the first ever women’s squad for Team GB in London 2012.
She can already lay claim to a number of tournaments with England since her debut in 16 years ago and was named in the 2015 World Cup All Star Squad.
But the hugely experienced custodian, whose career has seen her play for Ajax American Women, Pali Blues and Sky Blue FC, Linkopings FC, and Lincoln prior to her seven year stint with City, can look back on a trophy haul that includes three Women’s FA Cups, one FAWSL title, and three Continental Tyres Cups.
Bardsley was the spot kick hero for the 2019 Continental Cup Tyres Cup final win over Arsenal, saving two penalties at Bramall Lane.
Going into her eighth season as a City player, Bardsley said: “It feels great to be back and to have signed a new deal.
“I really missed being here in Manchester – although I had a great time on loan, there’s no place like home.
“It’s so special to have been a part of something that’s grown so quickly and to have been here from the start – to see what it’s become here at City now, I feel very proud of that.
“The past seven years have flown by, and long may it continue.
It’s been more than I could have ever hoped for and I’m so excited for the season ahead.”
Gareth Taylor, Manchester City Women Head Coach, added: “We’re thrilled that Karen has signed a new contract here at City – as she has shown during her career to date, she is a very talented goalkeeper who brings a wealth of experience to our squad.
“Having a player of her calibre commit her immediate future to the club was important for us and we look forward to continuing our work together throughout 2021/22.”