Deulofeu extends contract until 2026: "I'm over the moon. I'll give my all" | OneFootball

Number 10 pens new deal

Gerard Deulofeu has renewed his contract with Udinese until 2026, sending the pre-season atmosphere at the club into fever pitch and showing the club’s ambitions ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The number 10 is ready to continue to be a leading light in the team: “I’m over the moon for renewing my contract. I’ve learnt through experience that I need to be happy where I’m playing and I’m so settled in Udine,” a beaming Gerard stated. “I love the city and the club, and we’ve got to put in so much effort to bring Udinese to where we want them to be. I think we’ll achieve it.”

Gerard has been out since January with a knee injury, but commented that “I feel great, my rehab is going well. I’ve not set myself a date yet for getting back to action, but I’m working with the aim of making it as soon as possible.” His objective is clear: “I want to become a true figurehead at Udinese and fight for the captain's armband. Many wonderful players have represented the club and I hope that I can meet their standards. In any case I’ll give my all to help the lads.”

He's talking about “quality players, such as Lazar Samardzic, Sandi Lovric and Beto. We need players like them, but that’s still not enough in modern football. I like my teams to be well-drilled and to have a strong bond with the coach and club."

The 29-year-old touched upon his ambitions ahead of 2023/24: “I don’t want to create too many expectations but we're a top side. We’ve proven that we can give top teams a hard time. We need to show that we can compete with the big boys."

General director Franco Collavino was delighted to see the Spaniard sign a new deal: “It’s a powerful message of our intentions. We’re starting a new cycle with Gerard at the forefront. He’s an example both on and off the pitch who’s given his blood, sweat and tears for the club.”

Sporting director Federico Balzaretti was also keen to express his satisfaction: “We’re all aware how good Gerard is. We want him to become the leader of this Udinese side and to set an example for the youngsters. I can’t wait to see him back in action."