Samir Handanovic signs Inter extension

On Friday, Inter Milan announced that Samir Handanovic has extended his contract with the club. The 33-year-old goalkeeper’s new deal will run through the 2020/21 season.

Speaking with Inter TV about the new deal, Handanovic said:

“It’s a privilege to be the Inter goalkeeper and I’m honored to make history at the club. Some great keepers have represented this club and this new contract will allow me to join their ranks.”

Source: @Inter_en. You can watch a segment of the interview here.

A consummate professional, Handanovic has been a loyal servant for Inter since joining from Udinese in 2012. The Slovenian replaced outgoing Brazilian keeper Julio Cesar as Inter’s number one, and has made 185 appearances for the club since.

Handanovic’s consistency has earned him the reputation as one of the best keepers in Italy. He was named Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year for his efforts in 2011 and 2013 — the former coming during his stint with Udinese.

During his international career, Handanovic made 81 appearances for Slovenia before retiring in 2015 after they failed to qualify for Euro 2016. At the time, Handanovic was the second most capped player in Slovenian history. He remains the country’s most capped goalkeeper ever.

Handanovic becomes the second of Inter’s core star players to renew their contracts this season, with Ivan Perisic extending his deal to 2022 in September. Here’s hoping the club can work out a similar agreement with captain Mauro Icardi, who has been linked with potential moves away to major clubs, but also appears steadfast in his commitment to Inter.

Of course, on a more minor note, Inter also reached a contract extension agreement with Eder last month.

Personally, Handanovic’s loyalty and professionalism has made him one of my favorite players at the club. The keeper is one of the best in world at his position, and Inter agreeing to an extension with the Slovenian serves as both a reward for Handanovic, and as a way to deter potential suitors; making this deal a win-win in my book.

Congrats, Samir! Let’s finally win some trophies together.