Everton captain Phil Jagielka has penned a one year extension to his current contract.
Jagielka, who last season took home Player of the Season plaudits, joined Everton in 2007 from Sheffield United for around £4 million. He was made Everton captain in 2013 after Phil Neville retired and this upcoming season will be his ninth at the club and his third as Everton captain.
Jagielka, 32, is nearing 300 appearances for the Toffees and he cited the reward of a new contract as giving him "that motivation to keep striving to get better and to keep going for as long as possible."
Jagielka pleased to sign new Everton contract
The England international also took home goal of the season and player's player of the season awards at the Everton end of season awards, will be looking to build on that success for next year. Once the new deal expires in 2018, Jagielka will have given the club 11 years of service and will probably be rewarded with a testimonial game before his time at the club is up.
The captain has earned cult hero status at Everton thanks to his FA Cup semi final penalty against Manchester United in 2009. He also stated his love for the club was another reason to extend his deal, explaining that he loves it at Everton and that "thankfully enough the club felt the same."
Roberto Martinez 'delighted' with new Jagielka contract
Everton manager Roberto Martinez said he is "absolutely delighted" that Jagielka has chosen to extend his stay at the club because of how Jagielka is a "born leader" and a "fantastic example to everyone around him."
Everton and Jagielka will be looking to improve on a disappointing last campaign. After a disappointing 11th finish, everybody connected with the club will be hoping to get back playing European football and to hopefully end a 20 year spell without silverware. It would be seen as a missed opportunity if Jagielka does not lift a trophy during his time on Merseyside after all the consistency he has given to the blues.