
Swansea City captain Garry Monk has signed a new contract with the club keeping him at the Liberty Stadium until 2012.
Monk, 30, joined on a free transfer in the summer of 2004 after his release by Barnsley and was named captain two years later.
"I would love to finish my career here," Monk told BBC Sport Wales.
"With the progression the club has made, I want to be part of that and I want more."
Monk joined Southampton in 1996 from Torquay and spent eight years with the Saints.
But he found first team appearances limited and had spells on loan at Stockport, Oxford, Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley where he spent a short time after his release by the Saints in 2004.
Monk has gone on to make 150 league appearances in the heart of the Swans defence, but missed Saturday's 3-2 south Wales derby win over Cardiff after suffering a reccurrence of a calf injury in the warm-up.
"I was absolutely gutted," he added. "It was one of them where I had to put the team first.
"But whatever the season brings, it will always be an honour for me to captain Swansea City.
"The pleasure I get from playing in a side that plays the type of football we do is immense.
"The way we play is a massive draw for me and the rest of the squad. It's a pleasure to captain such a team; the biggest honour of my career.''
And manager Paulo Sousa was delighted at his captain's commitment to the club.
"Garry is one of the players we think is very important to our project for his experience, quality and leadership,'' said Sousa.
"He is an important figure in the dressing room and on the pitch.
"He knows the club's philosophy and I'm delighted he's committed his long-term future to us.''
RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Swansea fans' views on 606
BBC Local: South West Wales
Swansea weather
BBC Sport Championship
Swansea City
Football Association of Wales
Liberty Stadium
Jack Watch - A fan's eye view
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites