Garry Monk agrees new Swansea City contract
- Published
Swansea City captain Garry Monk has signed a new three-year contract with the Premier League newcomers.
The 32-year-old defender has made more than 200 appearances for the south Wales club since joining them in 2004 after being released by Barnsley.
Monk signed a new deal in 2009 under former manager Paulo Sousa that took him up until the end of this season.
But the former Southampton and Torquay player has now committed to Swansea until the end of the 2013-14 season.
Monk revealed his delight at securing his future just days before the Swans take in their first Premier League match against Manchester City on 15 August.
"It's a big thing for me to sign a contract that will take me up to my 10th year," said Monk.
"It's something I'm proud of, my family is proud of and I've worked hard for it. It's a great feeling knowing I can represent the club for another three years at least.
"I've loved every minute of it. From the first day I walked in here under Kenny [former boss Jackett], I've seen the massive progression made as players and as a club.
"To be part of that, and as captain for a large chunk of it, is a massive honour."
When Swansea begin their Premier League campaign at the Etihad Stadium and if Monk overcomes a foot injury in time, he is set to become one of a handful of men to have played for Swansea in all four divisions.
"Hopefully I'll be back to full fitness as soon as possible. To lead the boys out at Manchester City would be a very proud moment for me," added Monk.
"We have talked about not just turning up and realising what it's all about after five or six games. We want to be ready from the off.
"We are playing against fantastic players and fantastic teams, but we have a good squad here and we want to impose our game on the opposition and see how they deal with it."
Alana Tate and Leon Britton are the other two players who were involved when Swansea were fighting to climb out of the old Third Division.