Bevis Mugabi says he is happy to stick by Motherwell after their patience with him at Fir Park.
The Ugandan international has signed a new deal until 2024 with the Steelmen following an impressive run of form at centre-back and right-back this season.
He initially joined the club in 2019 on a short-term deal following a stint at Yeovil Town and it was a tricky beginning for him.
Amid an inconsistent run of games and the Covid pandemic, Mugabi had to work hard to become a Motherwell regular, which he now is under manager Graham Alexander.
He is a fans' favourite and has gone on make 62 appearances in ML1. Mugabi started in Saturday's 1-1 Premiership draw with Aberdeen, as Mark O'Hara's goal cancelled out a Dons opener from Vincente Besuijen.
Mugabi said of his new deal: "I feel good. I feel it has been overdue as it has been brewing for the past few months. I am happy just to get it over the line and now I can focus on the rest of the season.
"It accelerated pretty quickly (in the last few weeks) so now I am looking forward to my next couple of years here. The club has welcomed me from the minute I came in on a six-month contract.
"The club have showed faith in me and they have been patient with me in my performances. They gave me an opportunity, even when I struggled at first, so I just want to pay them back over the next couple of years.
"I was stop-start at first but I think everybody can see the improvement I have made this season. I feel like I have a lot more to prove too."
By the time his new contract reaches its expiry, Mugabi will be closing in on five years at Fir Park, a rare piece of longevity within the modern game.
The only club outside of Yeovil and Motherwell he has represented in his senior career is Southampton. It's a long way from London where he was brought up, but ML1 feels like home.
Mugabi explained: "As a footballer, you look forward to each game and before you know it, you've been somewhere for three or four years.
"I am happy that I have been here long-term and I can't wait to see what the future holds. I have been lucky and privileged that I haven't had to move too much in my career.
"I have always stayed at a club for a couple years. This is my second home from London so I am happy to sign on here again. I am a very lucky person."
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.
