Monaco extend Moutinho's contract till 2020

Ligue 1 defending champions AS Monaco have announced the extension of Portuguese midfielder Joao Moutinho's contract for two years, linking him with the club until June 2020.

Moutinho, 31, arrived at the reigning French top division champions in 2013. The 2016 European Championship winner played 211 matches in all competitions for Monaco, scoring 11 goals and dishing out 39 assists, reports Xinhua news agency.

"These years have been very positive on a personal and collective basis, with very beautiful paths in the Champions League and the league title," said Moutinho following his extension on Thursday.

"I will continue to give the best of myself to help Monaco achieve its goals," he added.

"Joao Moutinho is a successful, experienced and very important player for Monaco's project," said Monaco's vice president Vadim Vasilyev.

"He sets an example for our young players on and off the field. The extension allows the club to consolidate its workforce for the future."

Despite several key players' outflow in the off-season transfer market, Monaco managed to remain second on the Ligue 1 table and be well on the way for an automatic berth in next season's Champions League group stage.

Prior to Moutinho's signature, Colombian striker Radamel Falcao and head coach Leonardo Jardim already tied themselves to the club until 2020.

--IANS

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