Everton captain Phil Jagielka has extended his stay at Everton to 12 years by signing a new contract.
The defender's current deal was due to expire at the end of this season, but he has now committed to a one-year extension, which means that he is tied to the club until 2019.
The 34-year-old faces a battle to be Ronald Koeman's first choice following the summer acquisition of Michael Keane from Burnley, but he has insisted that putting pen to paper on a fresh contract was an easy decision.
"I came back for pre-season and tried to get my fitness levels as high as possible, ready to compete for a place," Jagielka told evertontv.
"It is always nice to have the potential of an extra year with the club, and it did not take too long for me to decide to sign. I was delighted to do so and I am looking forward to the journey over the next two years.
"It has been a fantastic time here but, hopefully, we will create some more special memories in the next two years and I can look back on my time at Everton with a smile on my face."
Jagielka became part of the Merseyside outfit in 2007 when he signed from Sheffield United.
Danielle Joynson
