Friday 18 March 2016 11:39, UK
Bayern Munich have extended the contract of their Austrian full-back David Alaba until 2021.
The 23-year-old joined the Bavarian side from Austria Vienna in 2009 and has made over 200 appearances for the reigning Bundesliga champions.
"David Alaba is one of Bayern's own products, which is why seeing him sign a new contract until 2021 today is so special," said Bayern's chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge on the Bundesliga club's website.
"He's one of those players who gives the team the identity they have today. His way of playing, but also his conduct off the field, embodies everything about FC Bayern. He's going to be a cornerstone of this team for years to come."
Alaba, who has already won four Bundesliga titles and has a Champions League winners' medal among his long list of achievements, said that he was "proud" to be able to carry on playing for "my club".
"I grew up at Bayern Munich and I've had some amazing experiences here," Alaba said. "We're all hungry to ensure more titles follow the ones we've already won."
A full-back by trade, Alaba has also played in midfield - the position he occupies more frequently for his country - while he has stood in at the centre of Bayern's defence this season.
He has been voted Austria's Footballer of the Year for the past five years and was also named his country's best sportsperson in 2013 and 2014.
"We're delighted that we've been able to extend such an important contract so quickly and for such a long duration," said Bayern's deputy chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen.
"That means Bayern have now tied down yet another important player for the future, after Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng, Javi Martinez and Thiago [Alcantara]."
