Otamendi signs new Man City deal to 2022

Manchester City have signed Argentine centre-back Nicolas Otamendi to a new deal that runs until 2022.

The 29-year-old has made 118 appearances since joining the club in a reported reported £32 million move from Valencia in 2015. His original contract expired in 2020, with Wednesday's announcement adding two years to his stay at the Etihad Stadium.

Goal reported the extension in December, with City locking down Otamendi ahead of the World Cup in an effort to ward off interest from Europe's top clubs.

Otamendi has started 22 of 23 Premier League matches for City this season as Pep Guardiola's men have taken a 12-point lead at the top of the table while conceding just 17 goals.

He has made five further appearances in the Champions League for City, who face Basel in a last-16 clash next month.

Otamendi has rallied from an inconsistent start to life in Manchester and adapted to the possession style demanded by manager Pep Guardiola, leading the Premier League in completed passes.

The 5-foot-10 defender also has proven to be a threat at the other end this season, scoring five goals in all competitions — including the winner as City defeated rivals Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford last month amid a record-breaking run of 18 successive league victories.

"At the club I'm really enjoying my experience since the first day I got here," Otamendi told CityTV. "I'm very happy to be staying here a couple more years.

"I think that nowadays, for the way I have improved, I'm in a really good moment. But I can still improve.

"The players keep learning day by day, and I try to be a better player after every single game."

Otamendi began his career with Argentine side Velez Sarsfield before signing with Porto in 2010. He also played for Atletico Mineiro in Brazil during a loan from Valencia in 2014.

Capped 51 times by Argentina — including appearances at the 2010 World Cup and 2015 and 2016 Copa America tournaments — Otamendi figures to be a key piece for his national team next summer in Russia.