Chelsea's Andreas Christensen signs new long-term contract

Andreas Christensen committed his future to Chelsea on Tuesday, putting pen to paper on a new four-and-a-half-year contract.

The agreement comes on the heels of an impressive start to the season for the Danish defender, who has developed into a first-team regular under manager Antonio Conte.

"It feels really good to sign a new contract and I'm just happy to be committed to Chelsea for the future," said Christensen, whose new deal expires in 2022. "I've played a lot of games, I'm enjoying it at the club and everything is working well."

Before breaking into the first team, he spent two seasons on loan with Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach, which Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia thinks was influential in helping him develop into a reliable defender.

"After two seasons on loan in Germany we were convinced he was ready to be a part of the squad this season and he has grasped the opportunity with both hands," Granovskaia said. "We are delighted he has chosen to commit his future to Chelsea and we look forward to four-and-a-half more successful years with Andreas at the club."

Christensen, who has appeared in 22 matches this term, will hope his impressive form continues into the summer, when he's expected to be named to the Denmark squad that will compete at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.