Soccer: Durante re-signs with Phoenix

Andrew Durante has agreed a new three-year contract with the Wellington Phoenix. Photo / Getty Images

Wellington Phoenix captain Andrew Durante has agreed a new three-year contract with the A-League side.

The 29-year-old defender confirmed other teams were after his signature, but reaffirmed his commitment to the Wellington side by signing a new deal.

Coach Ricki Herbert was instrumental in Durante's decision.

"It is good for the club that he is staying because it provides stability.

"The big thing with Ricki is that he understands people; he knows that different players need handling in different ways.

"His door is always open and he listens to what players have to say which is important. If we feel a rest is needed at some point, or even that we think there should be a little more training, he takes it into consideration.

"I've been with him for four years now and I have played some of my best football in that time."

Durante has never represented the Socceroos - his contract could lead to availability for the All Whites, although a switch of allegiance would not be something he would "push for".

"It could be tricky having been born and bred in Aussie, but football has the tendency to send you on pathways you never imagined.

"When I first came to Wellington I never imagined I would be here four years later, let alone committing myself to another three years."

Herbert was thrilled with securing the captain's services for another three years.

"Giving him the new deal also shows the club's intention to build for the future by retaining such an influential player."

- Herald Online