Madrid  - Veteran striker Frederic Kanoute told the Spanish media on Thursday afternoon how "delighted" he was to have extended his contract with Sevilla until 2012.

"Both parties wanted to reach an agreement as soon as possible," he said, "and that is why everything has been agreed so quickly. I am delighted to stay here. This demonstrates my commitment to Sevilla."

The new deal, agreed earlier on Thursday, means that Kanoute will be a Sevilla player until the age of 34, although he insisted that "I am not sure about retiring at that age."

The Mali striker admitted that he had received offers from other clubs, but "I only spoke to Sevilla, because that was my priority."

Kanoute added that "I am delighted here, because I love the city (of Seville), my family has adapted well, the team is good and the club is growing. The truth is that had no reasons to leave."

Kanoute, 31, joined Sevilla from Tottenham Hotspur in 2005 and has scored 56 goals in 115 games for the Seville side, including important goals in the 2006 and 2007 UEFA Cup finals. dpa