Gary Cahill agreed to remain at Chelsea for another four year, after his contract was set to expire at the end of the season. The 29-year-old English international's 30th birthday is rapidly approaching on the 19th of December, therefore, the Blues contract policy to only give players over the age of 30 a one-year contract extension does not apply.
A shrewd signing
Since arriving from Bolton Wanderers for approximately £7 million in 2012, the defender has accomplished winning the Premier League, FA Cup, the League Cup, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League in just a span of four years.
Lined up primarily next to club and league legend John Terry, Cahill has made 177 appearances already for the club in all competitions. With age catching up with captain Terry, Jose Mourinho has started young exciting French prospect Kurt Zouma in the defensive line alongside Cahill numerous times this season. Cahill commented about the future of his career with the Blues.
Cahill has his say on the new deal
Cahill spoke of his delight at signing the new deal, "I’m really pleased to commit my future to Chelsea and it’s great the club has put their faith in me." He added, "I have achieved a lot here and I hope I can keep on learning, helping the team and lifting trophies over the next four years."
His technical ability and effort on the pitch has earned him two consecutive spots in the Professional Footballers' Association's Team of the Year. Although the champions have recorded the worst start to defending a Premier League title in history so far this league campaign with only 15 points in 14 games played, the club is confident that they will at least bounce back into landing a European qualification spot.
If the Stamford Bridge stadium deal pulls through, Cahill might even be with the club when the new 'cathedral of football' is finished.