AMSTERDAM – US international goalkeeper Brad Guzan has inked a fresh four-year deal that ties him to the club through the summer of 2017.
Guzan, 28, rejoined the Villans as a free agent last summer after spending a year on loan with Hull City. He won the starting job away from Irish mainstay Shay Given in the third Premier League game of the season.
"Brad has been exceptional for the club, really fantastic on and off the pitch," manager Paul Lambert told Villa's official website. "He's always bubbly around the place and a really solid character. He's a good guy, as well. Overall, he's a credit to the club."
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Guzan, who spurned interest from EPL rivals West Ham United earlier this summer, still had two years remaining on his contract; however, Lambert publicly stated in March that Guzan had earned an improved deal after finishing fourth in the league last season with 125 saves.
"For me, it's an honour and a privilege to play for Aston Villa Football Club and to commit my future long-term," Guzan stated. "I'm overjoyed by it.
"To have this opportunity to commit my future, with the plans and the future being what they are going forward, it's tremendously exciting and I know that's not just for me but for everybody, including the fans."
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Guzan, who began his pro career with MLS's Chivas USA, became a favorite of the supporters at Villa Park during the last campaign, and he was voted the club's Player of the Season.
"From a personal standpoint, especially after last season playing consistently through virtually the entire season, hopefully now I'm coming in to some good years ahead and to be able to do that at Villa is exciting," Guzan said."It's always nice when you're wanted by a club. I've had some good years here at Aston Villa and to be able to commit my future just puts a smile on my face. I'm looking forward to the future and to the challenge ahead."
Villa will open the new season with an August 17 trip to Arsenal.
