Friday 6 October 2017 17:43, UK
Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles has committed his future to the club by signing a new long-term contract at St. James' Park.
Lascelles, who was made club captain by Rafa Benitez last season, will now remain with the Magpies until June 2023.
The 23-year-old defender first joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest in 2014 and has gone on to make 75 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring seven times.
Speaking about his new deal, Lascelles said: "I'm over the moon. Since I came to Newcastle, I've been happy; I love the city, the football and the fans.
"Everything about it, I enjoy so I'm happy to be tied down for the next six years here.
"We've got a group of ambitious lads, the fans are excellent and the manager has got trust in me, so I'm really happy here and I want to take the club as high as it can go."
Newcastle boss Benitez believes Lascelles deserves his new long-term contract after impressing in the role as captain.
"As soon as I made the decision to make Jamaal the captain of Newcastle United, he rose to the challenge and he has developed as a player and a character," said Benitez.
"He has proven himself to be a very good leader and a good role model too. He has also improved as a player, responding well to our advice and guidance and getting better with every game.
"I would like to congratulate him on his new contract with the club, it is very well deserved."
