Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Juan Carlos Valeron has signed a five-year contract extension that will see him eventually move into a backroom role.
The 34-year-old will continue his playing career next season, but is then expected to retire and will switch to a behind-the-scenes position.
Both Deportivo and Valeron are happy with the arrangement as the former Spain midfielder prolongs his 10-year association with the club.
President Augusto Cesar Lendoiro said: "The club is proud to convert the image of Valeron into the image of the club."
Valeron said: "One must know when one can help in one way or another."
Valeron has been at Deportivo since 2000 after stints at Mallorca and Atletico Madrid.
New goalsHe helped Deportivo to win two Spanish Supercups and one Copa del Rey and has five goals in 46 appearances for Spain.
Riki has also signed a new contact to keep him at Deportivo until 2013, with the 29-year-old insisting he never wanted to leave and did not even ask his agent if there were other offers available to him.
"I am very happy to continue at Deportivo," Riki was quoted as saying in
Marca. "That's what I always wanted since we started talking and what I hope is to continue in the first team.
"Every season we learn more and accomplish new goals."
Riki claimed that Deportivo's financial problems, which have hit player salaries this season, never affected his decision to sign a new deal.
"My first thought was not about economics, but just to be comfortable and feel loved," he said. "In football, there are sporting problems and economic problems, but I've always believed in the club, and there will be no problem."
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