Jardim extends contract with Monaco

Monaco have announced that head coach Leonardo
Jardim has signed a new three-year contract.
The 42-year-old, who guided his side to a Ligue 1
title triumph and the semi-finals of the Champions
League in 2016-17, has agreed a deal that will run
until 2020.
"The confidence the club has shown in me has
always been essential to me," he told Monaco's
official website.
"I feel part of AS Monaco and of the principality.
I'm therefore very happy to continue my work at AS
Monaco.
"The last three seasons have been exceptional,
crowned by the title of champions of France in
May. We will therefore work with the same
ambition to continue this project and continue to
grow this club with the same passion that has
inspired us from the beginning.
"I'm certain that the future looks very exciting at
Monaco."
A report in Portugal on Wednesday claimed Jardim
could be prepared to leave Ligue 1 and take over at
Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan, who
were said to have offered him a deal worth
€12million a season.
Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev confirmed
there was interest in Jardim and is therefore
delighted he has committed to Stade Louis II.
"He is one of the best coaches in European football
and, despite approaches, he has chosen to continue
the adventure at Monaco, which proves our
ambition," said Vasilyev.
"He has done considerable work since his arrival;
the French title is the perfect illustration [of that].
"We had a common desire to continue to develop
this club's project and it is therefore with great
pride that we announce the extension of his
contract until 2020."
Jardim, who joined from Sporting in 2014, won the
award for Ligue 1's best coach following their
outstanding 2016-17 campaign.
He had also been linked with a potential move to
Arsenal before Arsene Wenger signed a two-year
contract extension to stay with the Gunners.