Roma defender Philippe Mexes has ended speculations regarding his future by signing a three-year contract extension with the Olimpico outfit. The French defender's previous deal was due to expire in 2008 but he opted to extend his spell with Luciano Spalletti's men. "I have just signed and I am very happy. I knew that my relationship with Roma would be a long one," Mexes told Roma channel. "When you sign and play with a team, you certainly don't want to leave after only two seasons. This has been a difficult year for me, but now I am happy and I hope I will continue to do well." Mexes joined Roma in 2004 from French side Auxerre, the move that sparked controversy. World governing body FIFA imposed the ban on Roma for signing Mexes before the player's contract with Auxerre had expired. The 25-year-old has put in a good display this season, forming a fine defensive partnership with Romanian Cristian Chivu as Roma occupied second place in the Serie A table.
