Joe Hart signs new five-year deal
Joe Hart has signed a new five-year contract with City, committing himself to the Club until 2016.The England No.1 joined City from Shrewsbury Town for just £600,000 in 2006 and has made 121 starts for the Blues to date, setting a new clean sheets club record last season and winning the Premier League’s Golden Gloves award in the process.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have signed a new deal and it is a very exciting time to be a City player,” said the 24-year-old.
“I can’t think of myself being anywhere other than City and it really feels like home. I feel very privileged to be staying here for another five years.“When I signed from Shrewsbury it was always my aim to become the No.1 here and I was prepared to do anything to achieve that, including going out on loan a few times to prove my worth.”
Such was Hart’s form that he ousted Shay Given as first choice at City and the Ireland legend has since moved to Aston Villa in order to play first-team football, though Joe was quick to pay tribute to his close friend.
“Shay’s influence on me has been massive and being able to work alongside me has brought my game on tremendously,” he said.“I’ve lost a close friend and a fantastic team-mate but I’ll keep in touch and talk with him on a regular basis.
“Shay was always appreciative to the situation here at City and backed me all the way, as I would have done for him if the tables had been turned.
“I’ll continue to learn from Shay even though he’s now playing for Villa just by watching him on TV.”http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news/2011/August/Joe-Hart-pens-new-five-year-deal
