SILVA SIGNS WITH CITY

David Silva expects to be challenging for major honours at Manchester City for years to come after committing to the champions until 2019.

The Spanish playmaker has been one of the key performers in City's new trophy-filled era, winning two Premier League titles and two domestic cups since his £26million move from Valencia in 2010.

With a new five-year contract now signed, Silva hopes to go on to win more silverware with a club whose ambitions seem limitless.

The 28-year-old told the club's website, www.mcfc.co.uk: "From the moment I joined the club four years ago it has felt like a second home to me.

"On and off the pitch, I feel incredibly content and fulfilled professionally and personally, so why wouldn't I want to stay and keep winning trophies with this fantastic team?

"Over the last four years, we have achieved so much together, establishing City as a dominating force in England and now, when I look around this dressing room, I can see no reason why we won't become one of the top teams in the world.

"It was a straightforward decision to extend my stay here and spend my peak years at Manchester City, a club with unbelievable fans who have always supported me."

Silva joined City fresh from World Cup success with Spain four years ago and almost immediately lived up to his high-profile billing.

His first season at the club ended on a high as City ended a 35-year wait for a trophy by winning the FA Cup.

He was devastating in the early months of the next campaign - which ended with the club's dramatic first Barclays Premier League title success - most notably in a memorable 6-1 win at rivals Manchester United.

He went on to win Euro 2012 with Spain and was again instrumental as City regained the Premier League crown and won the Capital One Cup last season.

City have been forced to work within the constraints of a net £49million cap on their transfer spending this summer as punishment for breaching the Financial Fair Play regulations of European governing body UEFA.

But they may still be pleased with their business with several new arrivals and new deals for three key players.

Silva's new contract comes after Samir Nasri and Aleksandar Kolarov also agreed new terms.

The latest news also came a day after the club completed the £32million signing of Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala.

Mangala joins former Porto team-mate Fernando, goalkeeper Willy Caballero, defender Bacary Sagna and midfielder Bruno Zuculini as new faces at City.

England midfielder Frank Lampard, who is to join sister club New York City FC, has also agreed a loan move to the Etihad Stadium.

City defender Pablo Zabaleta has welcomed the news that Silva has pledged his future to City.

The Argentina international told Sky Sports News: "I think it is fantastic for the team and the club. We know how important he is for this team.

"He is a world-class player and has been fantastic in the last few years for us. I think it is great news."