Sampdoria defender extends contract

Sampdoria defender Lorenzo De Silvestri has officially extended his contract with the Serie A club until the summer of 2019.

The 27-year-old right-back has been ruled out through injury since sustaining a serious knee injury during Italy’s 1-1 Euro 2016 qualifier against Croatia in June.

The former Fiorentina player spoke of his desire to return to the playing field as soon as possible and repay the faith the Blucerchiati have shown in him by extending his contract while he continues his rehabilitation.

“I am very happy, I am sorry I can’t repay this confidence on the field,” De Silvestri told reporters at a press conference to announce the contract renewal.

“Soon I will return to doing what I do best. This renewal comes at a sensitive time in my career, in two weeks I will have the last check on my injury, the one that will hopefully give me the green light to train with the team.”