Senegal's Souleymane Diawara extends Marseille contract
Last updated on .From the section Football
Senegal defender Souleymane Diawara has extended his contract with French side Marseille by one year.
The 32-year-old, who has been instrumental in the club's recent successes, will now stay at the club until 2014.
Diawara joined Marseille from rivals Bordeaux in 2009 and he is delighted with the new deal.
"I'm very happy to be able to continue this adventure with Marseille," Diawara said on Thursday.
"I want to thank the directors and the coach for their confidence."
Diawara's centre-back partnership with Stephane Mbia was a key element in Marseille's league and League Cup double in his first season at the club.
"I still want to win titles with OM. I'm here for two-and-a-half more years and I can see myself finishing my career here," Diawara said.
Born in Gabou, Senegal, Diawara previously won Ligue 1 with Bordeaux in 2009 and has won the League Cup on four occasions, with Sochaux (2004), Bordeaux (2009) and Marseille (2010, 2011).
He also had a spell in England with Charlton in 2006-07.
"If we weren't happy with him, he wouldn't have extended his contract," said Marseille coach Didier Deschamps.
"We know what he's done for the club and he's someone important, even though he's had periods when he's played less well."
