Fabian Delph has committed his future to Aston Villa, signing a new four-and-a-half-year deal and stating: I am here for the long run .
Aston Villa have announced a new four-and-a-half-year contract for midfielder Fabian Delph.
The England international had been linked with a move away from Villa Park, but has now committed his future to the club he joined from Leeds United in 2009.
Speculation surrounding a potential exit had intensified when Delph was omitted from the matchday squad for Saturday s FA Cup clash against Bournemouth.
However, Villa announced his new contract 10 minutes before the fourth-round fixture kicked off.
The club has given me a great platform to perform and a great opportunity to showcase what I can do, Delph told Villa s official website.
The fans have been great with me, the chairman has been absolutely fantastic with me and I have a great relationship with the manager and I see the boys here as my brothers, my family and I am delighted to stay here.
I am a loyal person and committing my future will hopefully show everybody what type of guy I am.
There was no way I was going to bail out. I am here for the long run.
Delph has become a key figure in the Villa squad and was named as the fans and players player of the season for 2013-14.
Manager Paul Lambert added: It s great for Aston Villa. It s great for Fabian. I think this is a massive, massive step.
The thing with modern-day football and loyalty is there s not so much of it you very rarely get people who stay at a football club for a long, long time.
No-one expected it. I think everyone thought Fabian was going to go and we would have to get someone else in. I don t think anyone saw this coming.
But it s been something we ve been trying to do, as I have always said.
He enjoys his football and being at the club.
