Kovačić signs extension with Inter Milan

Inter Milan's management continues their busy winter period not just by signing new players, but also ensuring that the team's current stars are taken care of too.

That was evident with the recent contract extension for Mateo Kovačić. The 20-year old joined Inter Milan two years ago in January 2013, and his new contract will run through June 2019 though the term of the deal was not made public.

The player himself has this to said regarding his decision to pen the deal:

"I'd like to thank the president and the club for the chance to play here. I'm delighted and hope to keep moving the club forward. I'm very pleased about my new contract and I hope we can get Inter back to the same level as 2010."

He also spoke fondly regarding Inter's president, Erick Thohir, and the manager, Roberto Mancini:

"The president is important because he's made some good signings, both back in June and now;"

"The gaffer is very important. I like being coached by him. Let's hope the team performs well."

The decision to extend Kovačić's deal means that the young midfielder will be an important key piece of Inter's future, a sentiment that was iterated by managing director Marco Fassone:

"We're proud that he has decided to go on wearing these colors and we're sure he will bring our fans a lot of joy. I thank Mateo and believe that here will be great things to come in the future."

That sentiment was also echoed by Mancini:

"Inter are investing in the future with this deal and I believe he has huge potential. "We're very happy to have him here."

Kovačić has made 21 appearances so far this season in all competitions, and contributed a further seven goals with two assists for Inter. Let's hope that he can continue to develop and perform better in 2015.