Ilic pleased to stay with Partizan

Serbia and Montenegro midfield player Sasa Ilic has pledged his future to FK Partizan for another two years.

Keen to stay
Ilic, the youngest captain in the Belgrade club's history when given the armband at 18, had been linked with a move abroad in recent weeks but has decided to stay, especially given the positive atmosphere created by German coach Lothar Matthäus. The 25-year-old Ilic has been a key man for the Prva savezna liga champions as they bid to win the title again this season.

European ambition
"I feel much better and I am motivated," Ilic said. "I hope that our overall positive attitude and good performance will lead us through the [UEFA] Champions League qualifiers." Ilic has been with Partizan for 14 years and has been capped 14 times by his country, scoring two goals. The club are nine points clear of nearest rivals FK Crvena Zvezda at the top of the table.

Plenty of time
Ilic added: "I did not want to wait longer for the extension. Partizan are my club and I think I still can significantly contribute to the domestic league. I have time to think about going abroad."