Porto stalwarts commit to club

Club stalwart
Captain Jorge Costa has extended his contract by two years until summer 2006. He has been a regular in the Porto side since 1992, but for a brief loan spell at Charlton Athletic FC in 2001/02. He played a crucial role as Porto claimed the UEFA Cup and Portuguese domestic double last season, and has made six Champions League appearances this term.

'Ideal' move
The 32-year-old defender said: "I want to be useful to the club while I can, so a two-year extension is ideal. The Champions League is the only trophy I have not won with Porto. At this time I think it is relevant to think about that."

Three-season extension
Goalkeeper Baía has signed a three-season extension until 2007, keeping him at the club beyond his 37th birthday. He has spent his whole career at Porto, save for three years with FC Barcelona from 1999, and like his captain has had a major part in their success of the last two seasons.

Ready to continue
He said: "Porto is my club and I cannot hide my pride at this extension. I want to help this club stay among Europe's top sides. As long as I can wake up and feel good enough to train I will keep playing."

President's delight
Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa added: "We are champions and want to continue being champions. For that, there is nothing better than signing contract extensions with two club symbols." His team, four points clear in the Portuguese SuperLiga with a game in hand, welcome RC Deportivo La Coruña for the home leg of their Champions League semi-final on 21 April before the return in Spain on 4 May.