Manchester City have announced that manager Roberto Mancini has put pen-to-paper on a new contract, keeping him with the English champions until 2017.

Speculation has been rife that the Russian FA had identified the Italian as the man to replace Dick Advocaat, but City have moved quickly to keep their Premier League-winning coach at the Etihad Stadium.

Mancini is happy to have signed a new deal and hopes that he will see out his contract in England over the next five years.

"I am delighted to be able to give all of my efforts to Manchester City for a further five years. The opportunity which exists to build on our recent success is enormous," he told the side's official website.

"Manchester City is a fantastic football club, from the owner, chairman, board and the executive team, through to the players, staff and fans. I am very much looking forward to the challenges and excitement ahead."

Meanwhile, chief executive officer John MacBeath feels that the Italian tactician is the man to lead the side to continued success.

"Roberto's managerial credentials have been well proven in Europe for many years and in leading a team which has won the FA Cup and an unforgettable Barclays Premier League title in successive seasons, his ability to manage in the English domestic game is also undisputed.

"This new agreement allows Roberto to focus on the challenge of guiding a team which is capable not only of defending the Premier League title, but one which can compete for European honours," he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight