Uruguayan international defender Diego Godin has extended his contract with Atletico Madrid until 2018, the club confirmed on Friday. "This is my home. They make me feel spectacular despite the fact that I am far away from my country, home and family," Godin told the club's website. "What can be better than being here with people who love you and make you feel like one of them."
Godin arrived at Atletico from Villarreal in August 2010 after staring for Uruguay at the World Cup in South Africa. And after a difficult start, the 27-year-old has become a pivotal figure in the club's success under Diego Simeone. Godin was part of the side that won the Europa League in 2012 and helped Atletico beat Real Madrid for the first time in 14 years to lift the Copa del Rey in May. This season Atleti trail leaders Barcelona by just a point in La Liga and are well on course for the last-16 of the Champions League having won all three of their group games so far.
"He is a very important player on the field and he strengthens the consistency of the group inside the dressing room," added the club's sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero. "We will continue to back the squad we have and maintain the group that is offering us such joy."