Fazio signs long-term contract extension

AS Roma are pleased to confirm that defender Federico Fazio has signed a contract extension with the club.

The Argentina international has agreed a new three-year deal that commits his future to the Giallorossi until 30 June 2020.

“This was an easy decision for me to make,” Fazio said. "Ever since I arrived here I’ve got on really well with all my team-mates, the staff and everyone who works here at Roma.

"I love the city and I’m really happy here. It’s great news that I’m going to be here until 2020."

Fazio, 30, initially joined Roma last summer on a season-long from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. The move was soon made permanent, as the imposing centre-back – known affectionately as ‘Il Comandante’ (‘The Commander’) by fans – enjoyed a strong first season in Serie A.

To date Fazio has made 59 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring four goals.

So far this season he has played in nine of the side’s 10 Serie A games, helping the team keep six clean sheets.

“With this extension, we are retaining one of the most important pillars of this team,” said the club’s sporting director Monchi.

“Personally speaking, I am also extremely happy – as I have always thought that Fede is a dominant central defender.”