Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has ended speculation over his long-term future at Parc des Princes by signing a four-year contract extension until 2023.
The France international is currently vying for a regular starting berth under coach Thomas Tuchel with Italian veteran Gianluigi Buffon but the German tactician's fair involvement of the 25-year-old since the start of the season has convinced him to stick around.
"It was very important for me to continue my career and my progress here at PSG," Areola told PSG.fr. "This club is not just where I have trained -- it is also in my heart. I grew up here and have now managed to make the first team squad.
"The club has given me this chance to pursue high ambitions alongside exceptional teammates. With the continued strong support of our fans, we still have wonderful pages of history to write together. I believe in this club and in the chance to make unforgettable memories here."
Fier d'être parisien 🔴🔵 https://t.co/9zii0ueqXw pic.twitter.com/w3Haa0Arnq
— Alphonse Areola (@AreolaOfficiel) December 20, 2018
Areola was part of France's World Cup-winning squad in Russia this summer and although he did not feature, he is viewed by many as captain Hugo Lloris' long-term heir.
PSG chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi is delighted that Areola has committed his future to the French champions and seemingly took a swipe at wantaway midfielder Adrien Rabiot -- also homegrown -- in the process.
"We are very happy to extend Alphonse's contract today," said Al-Khelaifi. "Alphonse exemplifies the excellence of our youth academy. We and our supporters also appreciate the loyalty he has shown to the club by signing up for the long-term.
"Ever since his very first days here, Alphonse has shown his fantastic desire to improve by working with the most experienced coaches and teammates. His extension is a very strong signal of the confidence that we place and will continue to place in the players that we develop here."
Paris-born Areola joined PSG's youth academy in 2006, signed professional terms for the first time in 2009 and has risen through the ranks over the years via loan spells with Lens, Bastia and Villarreal.
Areola has played 85 times across all competitions for his formative club and already boasts two Ligue 1, two Coupe de France, two Coupe de la Ligue and two Trophee des Champions titles, as well as his World Cup winner's medal.
Back in September, Areola became the 12th player from PSG's fertile youth academy to debut for France at senior level when he started the 0-0 draw away at Germany in the UEFA Nations League.
Unlike Rabiot, Areola and Presnel Kimpembe have both now committed their long-term futures to their hometown club.