Gallardo grabs new Monaco deal

The Argentinian playmaker's deal was due to expire at the end of next season but club president Jean-Louis Campora has been working hard since November to tie him down to a new contract.

The 27-year-old has now tied himself to Stade Louis II until June 2007 and the news will be a major boost to Monaco coach Didier Deschamps.

Former River Plate man Gallardo has not always had the best of relationships with Deschamps or the Monaco officials but is a key member of the squad and the new deal will help to signal his commitment to the cause.

Despite Monaco's current financial strife, they are keen to keep most of their top players and Gallardo's new deal is a sign of how much the club want to keep him.

Gallardo has won 42 international caps and has notched up 18 goals for Monaco since his arrival two seasons ago.