Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol believes his trophy-winning journey at the Etihad Stadium is only just beginning after committing his future to the club with a new five-year contract.
The Croatia international has already enjoyed remarkable success since arriving from RB Leipzig in August 2023, but despite lifting six major trophies in just three seasons, the 24-year-old insists his hunger for silverware remains stronger than ever.
Gvardiol has quickly become one of City’s most reliable defenders, playing a vital role during one of the most successful periods in the club’s modern history.
His impressive list of honours already includes the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
For many players, such achievements would represent the peak of their careers. For Gvardiol, however, they are simply the foundation for greater ambitions.
The Croatian defender says Manchester City continues to provide the ideal environment for both his football and family life, making his decision to extend his stay an easy one.
“Being here, being surrounded by all these great names, players and characters, seeing them every day, training and pushing harder and harder, we achieved a lot of things together,” the defender said.
“My only wish is that we continue that way. I am really looking forward to being here, staying here and playing here for many, many years.
“It’s been three years and we have achieved a lot of things here. Also the new manager is here!
“This is the right club for me and my family as well. I have everything I need here and I’ve said it many times, I really like it here in Manchester.”
His contract extension also signals an exciting new chapter for Manchester City following the arrival of Enzo Maresca, who succeeds Pep Guardiola after the Spaniard’s historic decade-long spell that delivered 20 major trophies.
With a fresh managerial era underway, Gvardiol is expected to remain one of the cornerstones of City’s defence as Maresca begins shaping his own project.
Although every trophy carries its own significance, one stands above the rest for the Croatian centre-back.
When asked to identify his favourite success in a City shirt, Gvardiol admitted the Premier League remains the achievement he values most.
“I would say my favourite one and the most difficult one to win is the Premier League, especially because in my first season I gave an interview and said that only a few Croatians have won the Premier League,” he continued.
“I did it in my first season somehow and that’s my favourite one.”
Winning England’s top flight in his debut campaign made the achievement even more meaningful, especially given the league’s reputation as one of the toughest domestic competitions in world football.
Despite already establishing himself among Europe’s elite defenders, Gvardiol believes there is still plenty of room for improvement.
Rather than viewing himself as a finished product, he sees the coming years as an opportunity to continue learning from those around him while refining every aspect of his game.
“I remember my first season when I arrived here I was 21,” he added.
“Back then I was kind of still young. In these three years I’ve learned a lot of things from all my team-mates, my friends in the dressing room and on the pitch.
“I still think there are a lot of things to improve and learn but I’m only 24, I have enough time.”
That mindset perfectly reflects why Manchester City were eager to secure his long-term future.
Already one of the Premier League’s standout defenders, Gvardiol combines technical quality, composure on the ball and defensive intelligence with an attitude focused on continuous improvement.
As City enter a new era under Maresca, the Croatian international is determined to build on an already glittering collection of honours.
If his first three seasons are any indication, supporters at the Etihad Stadium may yet witness many more memorable moments from a player who believes his best football still lies ahead.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
