Chelsea extends Branislav Ivanovic for another year

Chelsea confirmed Friday earlier reports that Branislav Ivanovic is set to extend his contract beyond this season, as the Serbian signed on for another year at Stamford Bridge.

(Courtesy: @ChelseaFC)

Ivanovic will remain in west London until the end of the 2016-17 campaign, which would take the 31-year-old to 9 1/2 years with the Blues.

"I have enjoyed so much success since moving to the club and I am determined to help the team achieve more in the last months of this season and next year as well," Ivanovic told the club website.

Despite drawing plaudits for his commanding performances at right-back in last season's title-winning term, Ivanovic has struggled to reach those heights this time around. Chelsea languishes in 14th in the Premier League table, and faces French giant Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Round of 16 next month.

However, since Jose Mourinho's sacking in December, Ivanovic and several other members of interim gaffer Guus Hiddink's squad have shown signs of improvement.

Chelsea faces a tough task Sunday with a trip to title-chasing local rival Arsenal.