Diawara extends Marseille contract

Marseille's Senegalese centre-back Souleymane Diawara has extended his contract at the club by one year to 2014, the Ligue 1 side announced on Thursday. The 32-year-old arrived from Bordeaux in 2009 and his centre-back partnership with Stephane Mbia was a key element in L'OM's league and League Cup double in his first season at the club. "I'm very happy to be able to continue this adventure with OM," he said at a press conference. "I want to thank the directors and the coach for their confidence. "I still want to win titles with OM. I'm here for two-and-a-half more years and I can see myself finishing my career here." Born in Gabou, Senegal, Diawara previously won Ligue 1 with Bordeaux in 2009 and has won the League Cup on four occasions, with Sochaux (2004), Bordeaux (2009) and Marseille (2010, 2011). He also had a spell in England with Charlton Athletic in 2006/07. "If we weren't happy with him, he wouldn't have extended his contract," said Marseille coach Didier Deschamps. "We know what he's done for the club and he's someone important, even though he's had periods when he's played less well."