Knaak: City’s culture is special | OneFootball

Rebecca Knaak says Manchester City feels like home thanks to the environment created at the Club.

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It comes after the Germany international penned a contract extension which will keep at the Joie Stadium until the summer of 2028.

Since signing in January 2025 from FC Rosengard, the central defender has impressed across 16 appearances in all competitions which has seen her seamlessly settle into life with the Blues.

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Throughout that time she has netted a phenomenal five goals and has become an integral member of Germany’s national team squad after making her senior international debut in February.

And Knaak has paid tribute to the culture at Manchester City which has allowed her to thrive in England and reach new heights in her career.

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“It feels amazing [to sign a new contract]. It’s been a year, I could say, but I’m super happy to be here and to be a part of this club and team. I could say it feels like home,” she declared.

“I’m very excited to stay here for a little longer.

“I guess it’s a combination of a lot of things, obviously the football part first. I love playing for City, it’s amazing, the team is great, I’ve learned so much here and also the culture, the environment.

“Manchester itself, I was actually very surprised – I didn’t expect that much – I love being here, people are very open minded, and everyone welcomed me warmly. I just really enjoy being here.

“I think the culture is special and I think it’s very hard to find success but also the social parts and I feel like I’ve found that here.

“It’s seeing the human being as well and then striving for perfection. We obviously want to be successful, but we don’t forget the people behind the athletes.

“This culture is very nice and it’s a big, massive club but still I feel very included and appreciated. That’s something that makes me feel like home.”

By penning a new contract with City, it will see Knaak total three-and-a-half years with the Blues.

Despite joining at the start of 2025, the defender explained how the welcoming nature of team-mates and club staff makes it feel as though she’s been at the club for longer.

And she says by committing her long-term future to City will allow her to target specific goals before the summer of 2028.

She added: “I’m very happy about that [the length of the contract].

“When I signed here it was a big adventure and step for me and now I feel this long-term deal will also help me feel a bit more safe and I can have more long-term goals as well.

“I’m very happy about this and I already feel at home even though it’s just been a year. So, I’m very excited to see what the next years will bring.

“It does feel like I’ve been here longer. Sometimes people keep telling me things about seasons ago and I say ‘I have no idea, I’ve not been here’.

“I do feel I’ve been here for a longer time which is a great sign. Everyone was helping me so much to settle in so it was very easy for me.

“The culture I mentioned did help and I tried to be very open minded and to just be in the team and to do my best to bring myself into the team.

“I felt it was a good fit. I do feel like it’s been a longer time for sure, yeah.”