Marchisio commits to Juventus cause

Claudio Marchisio has signed a four-year contract extension with Juventus, committing the Italy Under-21 midfielder to the Bianconeri until 2014.

'Proud'
A product of Juventus' youth system, Marchisio returned to the club last summer after a loan spell at Empoli FC. The Turin-born player has played 14 times in Serie A this season and scored his maiden top-flight goal against ACF Fiorentina on 24 January, five days after his 23rd birthday. "I'm happy and proud about this new agreement," said Marchisio, who also made three appearances in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

'Prestigious club'
"I will continue my career at this prestigious club for a long time. I almost consider Juventus as my family as I have been here for 14 years. I hope to continue winning with the senior team as much as I managed to win with the various youth teams in the past." Marchisio follows in the lead of Cristian Molinaro and fellow youth-team product, Paolo De Ceglie, in pledging their future to La Vecchia Signora, who play Chelsea FC in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round next month.