Pinto was clearly happy at the confidence the Club was showing in him: “we spoke to the Club about a month ago and they told us they intended to extend the contract for another year. I’m very happy here and I think we will be able to officially confirm my new deal within a few days”.

Happy with Guardiola extension

Pinto’s deal follows Pep Guardiola’s signing of an extension on Wednesday and the keeper commented: “the boss is the key piece and it’s thanks to him and his work that we have won so much”.

Pinto has stepped in to cover the absence of Victor Valdes and he explained: “nothing has changed for me. I’m working as I always do, but it’s true that when the fans are chanting your name, you feel loved and it’s an indescribably proud moment”.

Teammates’ confidence

Pinto went on: “the most important thing is the confidence the squad have in me and my work. As a rule, I forget what people outside might be saying – I respect it, but I don’t waste any energy on anything said outside of the dressing room”.

Pinto was also asked if he wouldn’t rather play in a side where he got more minutes and his reaction was very clear: “believe me, if I felt I would be happier elsewhere I would go. If I’m here, it’s because I could not be any better anywhere else”.