Nathan Ake has signed a new contract with Manchester City in a deal that will expire at the end of the 2026/2027 season.
The 28-year-old expressed gratitude towards Pep Guardiola for his unwavering faith and support during his challenging first season at Manchester City.
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The versatile Dutch defender, who arrived at City for £41 million from Bournemouth three years ago, admitted that his initial season with the club was disappointing.
He noted that he believed that some managers might have lost faith in him.
However, Guardiola’s belief in Ake never wavered, and he continued to trust and encourage the player to improve.
Reflecting on his early struggles, Ake said, “Maybe not every manager would do that, so personally, I will always be thankful that he had the confidence in me.
“Over the years, there have been a few people who have needed a bit of time, especially at City. Some people fit in straight away, others need that extra time. Pep knows that.”
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Despite his difficult start, Ake felt at home from the moment he joined the club, and he has grown and developed under Guardiola’s guidance.
Using an app on his phone, Ake diligently studies clips of himself and opponents, demonstrating the attention to detail demanded by the City boss.
The wake-up call from Guardiola after a disappointing performance against Leicester early in his City career proved to be instrumental in Ake’s improvement.
Now signing a new contract with the club, marking the beginning of his fourth season with Manchester City, Ake is eager to continue developing and competing at the highest level.
He values Guardiola’s coaching and believes the club has the best manager in the world.
Regarding the upcoming season, Ake hopes Kyle Walker, who is considering a move to Bayern Munich, will stay with the team.
The English full-back is a vital player and a beloved figure among the squad. Guardiola is keen to retain his experience and quality, especially after losing Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez.
Summarily, Nathan Ake is thankful for Guardiola’s support during his initial struggles and is determined to continue improving and contributing to Manchester City’s success.
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He hopes Walker will remain with the team to bolster their title aspirations.
With Guardiola leading the way, Ake is confident in City’s ability to fight for trophies in the upcoming season and maintain their status as one of the top teams in the world.
