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Pereira pens three-year Benfica extension

SL Benfica defender Maxi Pereira said he was "very happy" to have signed a three-year contract extension that will keep the Uruguayan international at the Lisbon club until June 2015.

Maxi Pereira (right) in action against Basel during Benfica's successful Group C campaign
Maxi Pereira (right) in action against Basel during Benfica's successful Group C campaign ©Getty Images

SL Benfica defender Maxi Pereira has signed a three-year contract extension, tying him to the UEFA Champions League contenders until June 2015.

The Uruguayan international is in his fifth season at the club and was a prominent figure in a rearguard which conceded just four goals as Jorge Jesus's team qualified for the round of 16 as Group C winners. "I've been here for four and a half years and I'm very happy here with my family," said the 27-year-old.

"This renewal is very important," he added. "When I arrived I signed a five-year deal and didn't think I would spend that time here. I didn't know what would happen but now I'm very happy to sign this new contract."

The Eagles will face FC Zenit St Petersburg in the last 16, with the first leg to be played in Russia on 15 February and the return in Lisbon on 6 March.

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