England captain Steph Houghton pledges long-term future to Manchester City Women

Steph Houghton says Manchester City Women "feels like home" after extending her contract and committing her long-term future to the club.

Houghton has spent the last three-and-a-half years at City and led the squad to victory in the FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup in the club's inaugural year in 2014.

The Durham-born defender has also skippered City to the WSL 1 title as well as Women's FA Cup and Continental Tyres Cup glory in the last year.

News of the England and Manchester City Women captain's contract extension was broken live on Tuesday morning's Sportswomen show on Sky Sports News HQ.

Houghton told Sportswomen: "I'm absolutely delighted [to extend my stay at Manchester City]. Ever since I have been here at this football club, I've been welcomed with open arms and it really does feel like home.

"Manchester City's vision for growing the women's game is what first attracted me to the club and the support and professionalism I have experienced from everyone at the club since joining the team in 2014 has shown their commitment to taking women's football to the next level.

"We're winning trophies and we've been successful, so overall it wasn't really [too much to think about]. I Just wanted to get it signed and over the line."

Manchester City Women head coach, Nick Cushing, added: "Steph is an exceptional player and leader and over the last three seasons we have seen her grow from strength to strength.

"She embodies the values of our football club and her hard work and dedication, on and off the pitch, have made her a role model for young players everywhere.

"Steph has made an important contribution to the success of the squad since her first season with us and we are delighted she will remain a part of the team as we look to build on the success of 16/17 season."