Yahoo News 'My home' - Lewis Cook signs new contract to extend Cherries stay to over a decade
LEWIS Cook has committed his long-term future to Cherries, signing a new four-year contract.
It will take the midfielder’s stay on the south coast to over a decade, having arrived from Leeds United in 2016.
Cook, who has suffered two serious knee injuries during his time at Cherries, has made 218 appearances for the club, scoring two goals.
Arguably his best football in red and black came last season under Andoni Iraola, who adapted him into a deep-lying role, where he excelled.
Cook’s previous deal was due to run until 2026, having triggered a clause from his last contract. However, he has now been rewarded for his fine form with fresh terms, keeping him at Vitality Stadium until the summer of 2028.
The 27-year-old said: “I love it here. I’ve been here since I was 19 and I definitely call this my home now.
“To extend my time here further is brilliant for me and my family.
“Coming down as a young boy was a big change but ever since I moved down here, it’s always had a family feel at the club and I am settled here now.
“Having children is a big part of that and it is a great place to bring them up.
“My extended family come down a lot and this is a great place to be.
“The project going forward looks very bright and I am happy to be a part of it.
“The morale is high and hopefully we can have a great season.”
Discussing Cook’s contract situation back in May, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I am sure the club, from what I know, is very happy with his performances, like we all are.
“I feel he is also very happy, so I think they will deal with the situation, but there is not going to be any problem there.”
And so it has proved.
The York-born ace captained England under-20s to World Cup success in 2017 and has one senior cap for the national team, which came the following year.
Discussing Cook’s new deal, Cherries chief executive Neill Blake said: ““Lewis is the embodiment of an AFC Bournemouth player with his hard-working and professional approach, and we’re delighted to agree terms on a new long-term deal.
“He has produced such exceptional output over a long period of time with us, and to see him thriving after another fantastic season is great for the club.”
Cook is due to report to pre-season over the coming days, ahead of the club’s tour to the USA later this month.
