David Alaba signs contract extension with Bayern Munich

A statement posted on Bayern Munich's official website on Friday announced that David Alaba had extended his contract with the defending Bundesliga champions until 2021.

"I'm proud that I'll continue to play for my club," Alaba was quoted in the Bayern statement as saying. "I grew up at FC Bayern and I've experienced unbelievably wonderful moments here. We're all hungry to add further trophies to the ones we've already won."

Alaba joined Bayern's youth program in 2009 and made his first appearance with the Bundesliga club in 2010. His contract had been set to expire in 2018, but Munich were determined to keep the 23-year-old Austrian at the club for a few years longer.

"David Alaba is an FC Bayern youth product, so we are especially delighted at his signature today keeping him here at least until 2021," the club's chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, said. "He is one of the players who gives our current team its character. The way he plays, but also how he conducts himself away from the field, are the embodiment of FC Bayern. He will continue to be one of the cornerstones of our team in the years to come."

"We are delighted we've been able to conclude this important contract so swiftly and for the long term," deputy chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen said.

The contract extension should help put an end to speculation in the German media that coach Pep Guardiola could try to take Alaba with him, when he heads to Manchester City in the summer.

"I am very satisfied for Bayern with this contract extension," Guardiola told reporters at a press conference on Friday.