Gabi renews Atletico Madrid contract until 2018

Atletico Madrid announced Friday that captain Gabi has extended his contract until 2018.

(Courtesy: Atletico Madrid)

With his contract set to expire after the current season, Atletico ensured that the 33-year-old would be part of the squad that will "inaugurate the new stadium" next season.

"It’s a great challenge to be able to be in the team when we move to the new stadium," Gabi told the team's website.

"A new and exciting stage starts for the club and being the captain of the first team in a moment that will go down in history as a source of pride for me."

Gabi, who has spent the majority of his career representing Los Rojiblancos, has played a significant role since manager Diego Simeone took charge in 2011, helping the club capture the Copa del Rey trophy in 2013 and La Liga title the following year.

He added: "I am very happy to continue one more year at home. I always say that playing with Atlético de Madrid was my childhood dream, so I cannot ask for more than what I am living these years. I Also want to thank the fans for their unconditional support both for me and for the team."

After the 2016-17 campaign, the Vicente Calderon - built in 1966 - will be demolished as the team gets set to move into the renovated Estadio La Peineta, which will seat over 70,000 supporters.