Manchester City hand Manuel Pellegrini a new 2-year contract

Manchester City have handed Manuel Pellegrini a new two-year contract on the eve of a season many expected to be the Chilean's last with the club.

Pellegrini, 61, was heading into the last year of his original three-year agreement, with speculation rife that City were planning to replace him with Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola next summer.

But in a show of support for the man who brought the Premier League title to the Etihad Stadium in 2014, City have extended his contract for a further 12 months while also giving new terms to his backroom staff.

The club will hope Pellegrini's new contract ensures he can mastermind a title challenge this coming season without having to deal with constant rumors regarding his future.

The club's chief executive, Ferran Soriano, said: "We are delighted to reach this agreement with Manuel Pellegrini, who has already contributed so much to the development of Manchester City in his first two years with us, and we look forward to further progress in the seasons ahead.

SEE MORE: Read Manchester City’s 2015/16 Premier League season preview.

"This agreement allows Manuel to focus on the challenge of guiding a team capable of both fighting for domestic titles and competing for European honors."

Pellegrini himself said: "I am proud to manage Manchester City FC and am therefore very pleased to have agreed this contract.

"I have a very good quality group of players and a great team of people to work with on and off the field and at all levels of the club.

"I am focused on the coming season and confident that my team and I will respond to the constant support shown to us by everyone, including of course our fantastic fans."