Juventus extend defender Rugani's contract till 2021

Juventus' young defender Daniele Rugani on Wednesday renewed his contract for another five years, committing his future to the Italian football champions until 2021.

Signed from Empoli in the summer of 2015, the 22-year-old has made 29 appearances for the Turin giants, playing in 26 victories and posting impressive defensive statistics in the process.

He has made 37 interceptions and regained possession 123 times. Moreover, his average of 74 completed passes per Champions League match this term is almost double the average for footballers in his position (38), according to the club's website.

"Classy, composed, timely in the challenge and also among the goals of late, Rugani is quickly developing into an outstanding defender that head coach Massimiliano Allegri believes has what it takes to be a key Juventus player for many years to come, and it's easy to see why," Juventus said in a statement.

The Italian international has also added a goal threat to his ever-expanding armoury after finding the net against Cagliari, Atalanta and Dinamo Zagreb.

--IANS

pur/bg