Alanna Kennedy believes City’s collective ethos off the field will lead to success on it.

It comes after the composed centre-half signed a new deal at the Academy Stadium – keeping her at the Club until 2025.

After switching to Gareth Taylor’s side from Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the 2021/22 season, she has gone on to make 29 appearances in sky blue, scoring once.

She was joined by Australia compatriot Hayley Raso in the same summer, before fellow Matildas international Mary Fowler was added to our ranks ahead of this term.

And the 28-year-old says Manchester feels like home thanks to the solid relationships within City’s squad.

“Yeah, the relationships that you build within the team and the team morale on and off the field is really important for your success on the pitch but also your happiness off it,” she explained.

“I feel really happy with the friendships I’ve built. I feel I can be myself around the group and I think ultimately the more I’m able to do that the better I can be on the pitch and feel confident to express myself, be a key part of the team and help to contribute to our success.

“I’m reasonably, in the big scheme of things, new as well so I can give my experiences from transitioning into the club as well.”

At 28, Kennedy is by no means entering the final stages of her career – however, she remains one of the most experienced members of Taylor’s youthful and exciting squad.

In a career that has seen her play in Australia, the United States and England, all while earning over 100 caps for Australia, few things come as a surprise to her in the world of football.

And Kennedy is enjoying passing on her expertise to younger members of City’s squad.

She added: “It takes time to learn a new style so being able to help the girls understand and be patient with that, but also to just be a voice of experience.

“I’ve got plenty of that under my belt. For me that’s been from the side-lines this year due to injury, it’s been a key part of my focus, how I can be the best teammate possible.

“I want to be able to do that and then also contribute on the pitch as well.”