Romero signs contract extension with Manchester United

New deal will keep Argentina goalkeeper at Old Trafford till 2021

LONDON: Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero has signed a new contract with Manchester United that will keep him at the Europa League holders until 2021, the Premier League club said on Sunday.

Romero, understudy to Spain's David de Gea since joining United in 2015, played in the  Europa League campaign that ended in a 2-0 victory over Ajax Amsterdam in May.

“I am delighted to have signed a new contract. Who wouldn’t want to be at the biggest club in the world?" said Romero, whose deal gives him the option of another season after 2021. "We have great goalkeepers here and we are always learning from each other. Of course, it was a very proud moment for me and my family to be part of the Europa League final, and I am looking forward to helping the team build on last season’s success in 2017/18.”

Manager Jose Mourinho praised the 30-year-old as a ‘great goalkeeper and professional’. "He had a good season and outstanding performances, especially in our Europa League success,” he said.  “Sergio deserves his contract, and for Manchester United to have Sergio and David is amazing in such an important role.”

Romero holds a record 88 Argentina caps for a goalkeeper having kept his place in the team he helped reach the 2014 World Cup final despite not holding down the first team place at his last three clubs, including Sampdoria and AS Monaco.

United, who came sixth in the Premier League last season, qualified for the Champions League via the Europa League and will be aiming to win the European Cup for the fourth time.