Daniele Rugani has spoken of his pride after extending his contract with Juventus until 2021.
Rugani, 22, has played 29 times for the Bianconeri since joining from Empoli in 2015 and been on the winning side on 26 occasions.
"I am proud to have renewed his contract for five years until 2021," he told Juventus' official website. "This route that I've taken gives me great satisfaction. I want to say lots of things about it, it means that the club believes in me, that I'm doing well and I'm happy and proud of this.
"I'm happy because I was born a Juve fan and to extend for five years gives me the greatest satisfaction of all.
"The pressure is always there, including this year because I'm playing more. Now, I've found more space but the pressure was also there last year when I had to prove myself.
"What has changed is the maturity and mental awareness that I have gained. This is normal in the development of a player who comes from an exceptional club like Empoli. The difference from last year is that I'm able to handle this better and I think I've made progress in this way."
OFFICIAL: @DanieleRugani extends Juventus contract until 2021. https://t.co/tH0g77G9aI #Rugani2021 pic.twitter.com/ZcIvnH0SJa
- JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) December 14, 2016
"At the age of just 22, Rugani still has plenty of time on his side to keep growing into the world-class defender he's destined to become and, thanks to today's contract renewal, [he can] do so in the colours of Juventus," Juventus added in a statement.
"Classy, composed, timely in the challenge and also among the goals of late, Rugani is quickly developing into an outstanding defender that coach Massimiliano Allegri believes has what it takes to be a key Juventus player for many years to come, and it's easy to see why.
"Daniele Rugani has today committed his long-term future to Juventus, renewing his contract for another five years which will keep him with the club until 2021."
Rugani's previous contract with Juve was due to expire in 2020. He has therefore added a year, reportedly on improved terms.
With Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli all spending spells on the sidelines this season due to injury, Rugani has become more of a regular feature in Allegri's side, playing in each of their past four Serie A fixtures.
The defender made his debut for Italy in November.