MADRID, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Athletic Club on Wednesday announced that central defender Yeray Alvarez has signed a new contract through June 2028.

The deal ends uncertainty over the future of the 31-year-old, who has spent his entire career at the club and made 259 first-team appearances.

That total would have been higher but for two spells of cancer treatment. Yeray was also sidelined until April this season after serving a 10-month UEFA suspension for testing positive for a banned substance, which was contained in medication he was taking to prevent hair loss following his treatment.

"Yeray is always a reliable performer. He's a center-back who wins his duels, has great concentration and a winning mentality. He has shown tremendous resilience in overcoming adversity throughout his career," sporting director Mikel Gonzalez said on the club's website.

The announcement comes a day after Athletic confirmed Edin Terzic had signed a two-year deal to replace Ernesto Valverde as head coach next season. ■