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Just a few hours after signing a new contract with goalkeeper Iker Casillas, Madrid officially announced that defender Ivan Helguera has also extended his contract with the club.
The 30-year-old center-back extended his previous contract, which was supposed to expire in June of next year, until the summer of 2009. With the newly signed contract, the defender will be 34 when it ends.
Just a month ago, the Spanish media speculated that I. Helguera could move to clubs like AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Newcastle, or Man Utd during the winter transfer window.
I. Helguera, who can also play in midfield, has been a constant player in the Real Madrid lineup since his move from Espanyol in 1999.
Famous for his bold statements about the club's transfer policy, I. Helguera has won the sympathy of fans for his determination on the field and fighting for every ball.
Having represented the Spanish national team 47 times under Luis Aragones, the defender lost his position in the team over a year ago. There are doubts whether he will be able to make it to the squad for the upcoming World Cup in Germany next summer.
