ENGLAND Under-21 defender Nedum Onuoha has re-affirmed his commitment to Manchester City as the club heads into a new era.

The 20-year-old today signed a new four-year contract after playing for his country in the European Championships.

The talented full back's decision to remain at Eastlands is a boost for prospective new owner Thaksin Shinawatra and potential new manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Onuoha told the club's website: "I'm delighted that the contract is all sorted out. I just want to get back to working hard and playing well when pre-season training starts again next week."

Onuoha, who joined City's youth set up when he was 10, is excited about the future.

He said: "I like to think I have been improving game-on-game and season-on-season.

"When I compare myself to two years ago, I think there is a massive difference in my performances.

"It doesn't seem that long since I first signed a deal at the academy but I've spent half of my life with this club now!"

Delighted

Chief executive Alistair Mackintosh is delighted Onuoha has extended his deal until 2011.

He said: "We opened talks with Nedum a couple of months ago and had to wait until the under-21 tournament was over before the deal could be concluded.

"Nedum's contract extension re-affirms Manchester City's commitment to having a first team squad with the very best young, home-grown, talent and securing their long-term futures at the club."

City return to training on July 4 and Onuoha hopes to have shrugged off a groin strain by then.

He said: "As I get older I'm realising that I've got to listen to what my body's telling me.

"In the past, when something's not felt right I've carried on playing and that's made things worse.

"Now, if something's not right then I'm not going to take a chance. This is only a two-week injury but in the past that could have turned into two months because I had carried on."

What do you think? Have your say.