West Brom defender Gabriel Tamas has signed an improved three-and-a-half year deal at The Hawthorns.
Di Matteo delighted to secure defender's long-term future
West Bromwich Albion defender Gabriel Tamas has signed an improved three-and-a-half year contract at The Hawthorns.
Tamas has been an integral figure for the Baggies since he joined the club from Auxerre in January initially on loan.
He made the move permanent at the end of last season and has been a mainstay of Roberto Di Matteo's side following promotion to the Premier League.
The Romanian has missed only one game in the top flight this season and has now been rewarded with the new deal, which also includes the option of a further 12 months in the club's favour.
The centre-half was recently linked with a move to champions Chelsea and Baggies boss Di Matteo is delighted to have secured Tamas' long-term future.
Richly deserved
Di Matteo told the club's
official website: "I'm delighted Gabi has been offered this new contract. It is richly deserved.
"He was already effectively committed to the club until 2014, but the improved terms are just reward for the progress and contribution he has made here in the past 11 months.
"Gabi is an important figure both on and off the field and has a big role to play in helping the club achieve our goals this season."
Settled
Tamas has set his sights on ensuring West Brom guarantee Premier League survival.
He said: "I am very happy to have signed the new contract and am very settled at Albion.
"We have done all right so far, as have the other promoted teams.
"We cannot win all the games but it is where we are at the end of the season that is crucial.
"What counts is where we are in May - not now."
