Leighton Baines has agreed to extend his stay with Everton for another season.
Baines’ existing deal with the Blues was originally due to expire at the end of June but has now penned a new contract to take him until summer 2020.
By the time that extension is finished, the former England international will have racked up 13 years in the first team at Goodison Park since joining from Wigan.
The defender has gone on to become Everton’s record holder for a full-back after making over 400 appearances for his boyhood club from 2007 onward.
Lucas Digne’s arrival from Barcelona last summer saw Baines restricted to just eight senior outings in all competitions during the previous campaign.
But Marco Silva has routinely praised the 34-year-old, who admits that the Everton manager’s continued backing was a key factor in his decision to stay.
“I had a couple of conversations with the manager and he reiterated those things and gave me the belief that it wasn’t only words to the media – it was things he meant,” said Baines.
“It was always in my mind to stay because of talks I’ve had with the manager and Marcel (Brands, director of football).
“I have had numerous conversations with Marcel and I spent more time with him and got to know more about him towards the back end of last season and during the off-season.
“And I became more and more impressed with him from having that one-on-one time and understanding his vision and the direction he’s trying to take the club.
“That gives you more optimism about where the club is headed.”
Silva expressed his relief at tying down Baines to a new deal ahead of the start of Everton’s pre-season preparations, which get underway in mid-July.
He said: “It was vital for me to keep Leighton at Everton and I am very pleased to finalise his contract before we return for pre-season.
“Leighton is part of the club’s fabric and a top-class professional.
“Most importantly, Leighton is still an exceptionally good footballer and features in our vision for what we want to achieve at Everton.
“Leighton showed in my first season that we can rely on him to perform at a high level whenever he plays and he provides excellent competition for Lucas Digne.
“Also, at Finch Farm every day, Leighton is focussed, setting a fantastic example and bringing his quality and experience to every training session.”