Feyenoord captain Ron Vlaar has agreed a new three-year contract with the Rotterdam club. Vlaar, who joined Feyenoord in 2006 from AZ Alkmaar and took on the skipper's role following the departure of Giovanni van Bronckhorst in 2010, has overcome some major injury problems to become an integral part of Mario Been's team.

Having confirmed he will remain at De Kuip until the summer of 2014 following protracted negotiations, Vlaar said: "Of course I am very happy and relieved. Yesterday was a long and tiring day but I am glad it is over. The reason it took so long is because I just wanted to thoroughly weigh up what the best career move would be.

"I think everybody has that right, as have the boys with whom Feyenoord are still sitting around the table although of course I hope to push them in the right direction."

Feyenoord technical director Martin van Geel said: "We are delighted that we have agreed a deal with Ron. Vlaar has in recent years developed into a figurehead of the club. And by committing himself to Feyenoord for even longer it is sending out a very important signal."