Danny Drinkwater extends contract with Leicester City

Danny Drinkwater has signed a new five-year contract with Leicester City, the Premier League champions have announced.

The deal ties the 26-year-old England international to the Foxes until 2021 and sees him join the likes of Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and Kasper Schmeichel in committing his future to the club this summer.

Drinkwater told the club’s official website: “I’ve loved playing for this club. It’s been perfect for me and my career and I want to be here for a long time to come. I couldn’t be happier.”

Drinkwater joined Leicester in 2012 from home-town club Manchester United and has made 177 appearances for the Foxes.

He was named the club’s Player of the Year as Leicester won promotion back to the top flight in the 2013-14 campaign, and last season played a key role as the Foxes upset the odds to win their first Premier League title.

Drinkwater, who won the first of his three England caps against Netherlands in March, added: “I’ve grown a lot as a player and a person in the last four years and Leicester City has been a massive part of that. I owe a lot to the staff here for helping me get to this point — they’ve been quality.

“And I love being part of this team. We’ve been through so much together and I’m sure there’s a lot more to come.”

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri said he is delighted that Drinkwater has pledged his long-term future to the champions.

The Italian said: “Ever since I joined Leicester City, Danny has been one of our most consistent players. He’s a fantastic player and a fantastic man.

“He’s an important player for us and a very popular player in the dressing room. I want him to stay with us for a very long time.”