Lauren Hemp: 'Signing new Man City deal was best decision'

England international Lauren Hemp said signing a new two-year deal with Manchester City was the "best decision I've ever made".

The 21-year-old winger, who joined three years ago, has committed herself to the club until the summer of 2024.

"When I was at Bristol City, I knew coming to City was a big challenge. I was nervous," said Hemp.

"It was daunting but I knew it would challenge me. It took me a year to find my feet but I've taken it in my stride.

"I love being at the club and have done since I signed. The facilities here are amazing, I am settled in Manchester, I enjoy life. It was a no-brainer."

Hemp said City has given her "stability" and she has "grown so much" as a person because she is surrounded by some of the best players in the country.

"I have definitely improved off the pitch," she added. "Confidence is a massive thing. I came here with not much but it's grown. I have improved as a person. I am not the most sociable person but I've made a lot of friends here.

"It's one of the most important things. If you have good relationships off the pitch, it helps on it. I want to keep playing with the best players."

City have had a disappointing start to the season and currently sit sixth in the Women's Super League table.

But Hemp said she would not have signed a new deal if she did not believe they would continue to challenge for trophies.

"I think we definitely will. We didn't start like we wanted to [this season] but we are slowly getting the form we want.

"You are seeing glimpses of the City we want to be. As a team we would love to win trophies. The Champions League and WSL are top of my priority list."

Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor believes there is more to come from Hemp both individually and with the club.

The winger has won the PFA Women's Young Player of the Year award three times and was recently named Women's Rising Star at the North West Football Awards.

"She's a huge talent. She's proven that with the accolades she's received over the past few years," said Taylor.

"Last season, she only played the second half and she still went on and won the Young Player of the Year award.

"She's got the ability to go to the very top of the game. She's at a top club with us. We've seen her development but we feel there's so much more to come.

"It's exciting times. She's great to work with. She listens and understands and brings commitment to everything. She is quality and it's a fantastic bit of news for us."