Signing the two-year deal, the 33-year-old said he was very much looking forward to making his Premiership debut and to playing in his first Manchester derby.

"The fans have been great with me and now I want to end my career with Manchester City," Benarbia said.

"I love playing at Maine Road, but I want to play at the new stadium.

"I arrived at City in September and it has been like a dream for me - now I am looking forward to completing that dream," Benarbia added.

And the player, who was the inspiration behind Manchester City's charge to the Division One title last season, said that there was one game he was looking forward to more than any other.

"Next season, the one game I want to play in is the derby against Manchester United," he said.

"For me, that will be a special game."

"Ali's new contract has been signed and is completed," he confirmed.

"He wants to play in the new stadium in Europe.

"Unfortunately we can't put that in the contract!"