Portuguese star commits long-term as Guardiola welcomes midfielder’s return from injury
Manchester City's Ruben Dias (right) focuses on the ball during an English Premier League football match. The Portuguese defender has extended his stay at Etihad for another four years.
Manchester City's Ruben Dias (right) focuses on the ball during an English Premier League football match. The Portuguese defender has extended his stay at Etihad for another four years.
AFP
Manchester City heads into the new season with renewed optimism, as defender Ruben Dias has extended his stay until 2029 and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri prepares to return from injury.
Dias, 26, joined City from Benfica in September 2020 and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s side. Over five seasons at the Etihad Stadium, he has made more than 200 appearances and collected nine trophies, including four consecutive Premier League titles and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph. His consistent performances have also earned him numerous individual accolades along the way.
“I am incredibly happy today. I’m so proud to represent this great club. City are where I want to be — competing at the top of the sport and challenging for trophies,” Dias said. “The club’s ambition aligns perfectly with mine, and as a footballer, there is nothing better than that. I love Manchester – it is my home now – and I love the Manchester City fans. Their support from day one has been absolutely unbelievable.”
Treble-winning campaign
The Portuguese centre-back played a pivotal role in City’s record-breaking four consecutive Premier League titles and the treble-winning campaign that secured the Champions League. Known for his composure, leadership, and grit, Dias has been central to Guardiola’s defensive strategy and City’s historic successes.
Meanwhile, midfielder Rodri is set to return to action for City’s Premier League clash against Tottenham on Saturday. The Spain international missed nearly all of last season following an ACL tear and later sustained a reported groin injury during the Club World Cup.
Rodri also missed City’s opening league game — a 4-0 win at Wolverhampton — but Guardiola confirmed on Friday that both he and England forward Phil Foden are ready for the Spurs match. “Rodri is available, and it’s great to have him back in the squad,” Guardiola said.
With Dias’ long-term commitment and Rodri’s return to full fitness, Manchester City is well-placed to defend its domestic crown and continue its pursuit of European glory. The combination of a rock-solid defence and midfield creativity promises a strong foundation for Guardiola’s side as they aim for another trophy-laden season.
Dias summed up his mindset for the coming years: “Now the hard work begins, and I want to promise the fans that I will give everything to win more trophies and bring more success to City.”
— With inputs from agencies
From playing on the pitch to analysing it from the press box, Satish has spent over three decades living and breathing sport. A cricketer-turned-journalist, he has covered three Cricket World Cups, the 2025 Champions Trophy, countless IPL seasons, F1 races, horse racing classics, and tennis in Dubai. Cricket is his home ground, but he sees himself as an all-rounder - breaking stories, building pages, going live on podcasts, and interviewing legends across every corner of the sporting world. Satish started on the back pages, and earned his way to the front, now leading the sports team at Gulf News, where he has spent 25 years navigating the fast-evolving game of journalism. Whether it’s a Super-Over thriller or a behind-the-scenes story, he aims to bring insight, energy, and a fan’s heart to every piece. Because like sport, journalism is about showing up, learning every day, and giving it everything.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox