Eljero Elia has decided to extend his stay in Rotterdam with the winger and club reaching an agreement that will now see him in the red and white of Feyenoord until 2018.
- By Nicholas Koopman
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The winger joins a long list of players who have already extended their contracts at Feyenoord this summer with Vilhena, Kuyt, Vermeer and El Ahmadi all putting pen to paper. Elia enjoyed a respectable campaign last season scoring eight times in thirty-one appearances. The player also went on to win the KNVB Beker, scoring the winning goal in the final, to end Feyenoord’s long wait for a trophy.
Elia hopes the KNVB Beker can be a springboard to more success saying “They [Feyenoord squad] are all convinced that winning the KNVB Cup is a step in the right direction to be more successful. If we hold our focus for an entire season, it can lead to great things. I really want to continue to be part of this team.”
As result of winning the KNVB Beker, Feyenoord will now compete in the Europa League group stages and Elia is looking forward to the challenge saying “playing European matches at De Kuip, who would not want that? I think that is one of the nicest things you can experience. I am really looking forward to it.”
Martin van Geel, Feyenoord Technical Director, is also pleased with Elia’s contract extension noting his contribution to the success this season, telling official website “Eljero in his first year at Feyenoord has been decisive for the team. His contribution has been of great value to us.”
After playing for a number of clubs through his career, Elia seems to have made De Kuip his home following his free transfer from Werder Bremen. The Feyenoord fans can now look forward to seeing the pacey winger terrorise Eredivisie defences for many more years to come.
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If we can keep them all together, Feyenoord is building a nice core group for the next 2-3 seasons.