Stefan Ortega signs new one-year contract extension at Man City after EIGHT months of negotiations… as club chief brands him ‘the BEST No 2 we’ve ever had’

Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has signed a one-year contract extension, ending uncertainty over his future in England after eight months of negotiations.

Mail Sport revealed in April that Ortega had reached an impasse with the Premier League champions over a new contract, with talks having been ongoing for more than six months at the time.

But both parties have now found a solution and his extension will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2026.

‘Certainly [it’s a proud moment]Ortega said. ‘It’s been two years since I signed for City and what has happened in those two years is unbelievable.

“I think just me as a person, I’m a completely different person now than I was two years ago and that means a lot to me.”

Mail Sport revealed in April how the two sides had reached an impasse in their negotiations

However, a deal has now been agreed which will see the German stay at the Etihad until the summer of 2026

Ortega is keen to get the chance to play regularly as a No.1 and with doubts over Ederson this summer amid interest from the Saudi Pro League, Ortega has bet on himself at City.

The 31-year-old made 20 appearances in all competitions last season and was ever-present in the FA Cup campaign which saw City reach a second successive final before losing to Manchester United.

Ortega also made three appearances in the UEFA Champions League, including the quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid, while also making one of the biggest saves of City’s season against Tottenham to secure a fourth consecutive league title.

“This is a football club that offers players everything we need to be our best,” Ortega added.

‘Every day I feel motivated and challenged, and I have improved as a goalkeeper since I came here two years ago.

‘My family is really based here in England, I love everything here. By signing this deal, I can now concentrate 100% on next season and beyond.”

Ortega would like to get City number 1 Ederson (photo) a starting place at the club next season

City director of football Txiki Begiristain said Ortega is ‘the best number 2 goalkeeper we have ever had’

Football director Txiki Begiristain added: ‘This is a crucial contract extension for Manchester City.

“Stefan is the best number 2 goalkeeper we have ever had and offers us quality, stability and experience.

‘He’s such a talented goalkeeper; our goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor is constantly telling me how good Stefan is. He is highly skilled and it is clear that he has contributed significantly to our success since coming here.”