“It was a great feeling when I got told” – Nico O’Reilly loving Manchester City life after contract extension | OneFootball

Manchester City star Nico O’Reilly has lifted the lid on earning a new, long-term contract after breaking into the first-team squad from the academy ranks.

The 21-year-old has been one of Pep Guardiola‘s best players this season and scored a crucial brace in last week’s 2-0 Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal at Wembley to hand his boyhood club their first piece of silverware in two seasons.

O’Reilly’s emergence came amidst Manchester City’s personnel struggles last season, with the England international moving away from his natural midfield position to alleviate Guardiola’s long-standing issues at left-back and helping the Blues earn a third-place Premier League finish.

The Mancunian’s rise over the last 15 months has made him a strong contender to start for his nation at the FIFA World Cup across the Atlantic this summer, firmly announcing himself to the world by making the difference for City at Wembley in a cup final.

O’Reilly: I’m very happy with how things are going

In conversation with ESPN prior to City’s Carabao Cup final win, O’Reilly reflected on his stellar rise to Guardiola’s senior ranks from the academy.

“I’m very pleased,” the part-Jamaican said. “I’m happy with how things are going. At first, the first few games, it’s a bit like, ‘This is new’.

“You go from 200 people (watching academy games) to thousands and thousands. It’s a big difference. As the games go on you get more used to it, you get comfortable, more confident, and you find it okay.”

The Manchester-born star was awarded a new contract till the summer of 2030 in September 2025 and he cannot wait to play a more integral role for the Blues in the seasons to come.

I was over the moon with a new contract, says O’Reilly

“It was a great feeling when I got told,” he added. “I was over the moon. I couldn’t wait to sign it, and this season’s been great as well for me. I’ve played quite a lot. I’m looking forward to what’s to come.”

Guardiola has waxed lyrical of O’Reilly’s ability and versatility this season, with the academy graduate effortlessly switching from left-back and midfield in Manchester City’s first full season under the stewardship of director of football Hugo Viana.

O’Reilly takes huge pride in his Manchester roots, being the latest academy star to integrate into the senior ranks at City. “That’s where I grew up, Manchester, the area,” he said.

“Yes, it’s me, really, like how I became who I am today. Growing up there, I really enjoyed it. I used to go out, play football every day with my friends. It was a good place to grow up. I recently moved away (from Collyhurst) but it was a great place. I loved living there.

“I’m a bit out of the way now. I like it. I’m still with my family, which is good. They’re there to look after me a bit and still support me. They go to every game and they keep me on track.

“They’re enjoying it, taking it all in as well. It’s a good journey to be on. I have a little sister and she comes to every game. She loves it, a big City fan. She’s massively into football now.”

O’Reilly has been called up to the England squad by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel and the youngster has been allowed a prolonged break to recover from the Carabao Cup final to join up with his international teammates after an upcoming friendly against Uruguay.