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Yorke signs 12-month extension with Sunderland

02/07/2008

Veteran star Dwight Yorke has agreed to a further 12-month stay with Premier League side Sunderland.

The 36-year-old has been with the Black Caps since signing from Australian A-League side Sydney FC in August 2006.

Yorke's existing deal at the Stadium of Light expired last month and speculation suggested he may look to drop down a division or even announce his professional retirement.

However, after admitting he considered some other offers before signing for Sunderland, the former Trinidad and Tobago international has committed himself to another season in the English top flight.

He told SAFC TV: "It has been a tremendous two years for me at Sunderland, I've got to know the players and the staff and the fans have been great to me.

"In the end, it was a straightforward decision. I had one or two things to think about and I knew I needed to make a decision.

"Once the manager gave me the thumbs up, it was easy to sign."

Yorke has played under Roy Keane - a former team-mate at Manchester United - since his arrival on Wearside.

And Keane himself hailed the impact of Yorke, both on the field and in the dressing room, since his arrival.

"Yorkie's experience, on and off the pitch, has been invaluable to us," the manager explained.

"He's a great character to have in the dressing room and around the training ground and he'll have a part to play for us next season."