Evergreen Materazzi extends Inter stay

Defender Marco Materazzi has agreed a one-year extension to his FC Internazionale Milano contract, with the Italian champions' president Massimo Moratti noting that the 35-year-old "played well whenever he was called upon".

Experienced hand
The 41-times capped Italy central defender made just eight Serie A appearances in his eighth season at Inter but has nonetheless been granted another 12-month term, prolonging his deal until summer 2012. "He always played well whenever he was called upon last season," said Moratti. "José Mourinho confirmed that he wanted to have him for another season and I was very glad to extend his contract." A 2006 FIFA World Cup winner, Materazzi joined Inter from AC Perugia in 2001 and has now made 164 league appearances for the club, scoring 19 times and winning four titles as well as two Italian Cups. Inter kick off next season's UEFA Champions League in the group stage.