Real Madrid confirm contract extension for fan-favourite defender

Real Madrid have confirmed Lucas Vazquez has signed a new one-year contract with the club.

The popular 33-year-old actually saw his previous contract expire this summer but, despite some early suggestions of a departure, had been expected to ink fresh terms with Madrid for the past few months.

His new deal is now official, with Madrid confirming Lucas has inked a new one-year deal to take him into his tenth season in the first team.

According to AS, Lucas' new contract is on the same terms as last season and was quickly signed without any real negotiations, such was the desire from both parties to get an extension over the line.

He will now remain as cover for Dani Carvajal, but Lucas has even been used occasionally further up the field in the attacking position in which he started his career. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has never shied away from discussing his importance to the squad.

"He is playing at a very high level, he competes with Carvajal, who is one of the best full-backs in the world," Ancelotti said last season. "Lucas has also made the difference in other games."

Lucas' performances for Madrid have affectionately earned him the nickname 'Cafucas' - a reference to Brazilian right-back Cafu.

"It's very gratifying that they call him 'Cafucas' in my honour," Cafu told MARCA of the nickname earlier this summer.

Lucas made 38 appearances in all competitions last season and now has 349 for the club in total. He sits 34th on the all-time appearance charts for Madrid.

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