John Mousinho signs new Oxford United contract

The club captain’s existing deal expired today, but the 34-year-old told the Oxford Mail earlier this month he was confident about staying on.

Mousinho has made 120 appearances since joining from Burton Albion on deadline day in August 2017.

And while there are plans to move into coaching, he is relishing the chance to have another season as a player with United - with his latest deal also including an option for the 2021/22 season.

He said: “It gives me another year in football and takes me to 35. That’s incredible, I don’t really feel it but I’m delighted to sign.

“I came here three years ago and we had a tricky two years but this season has been absolutely brilliant.

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“In all honesty it’s where I’d like to be for the long term as well.

“I’ve talked to the club and everyone behind the scenes about staying beyond playing and there seems to be a lot of positive vibes.

“This was the first step to taking that and cements myself at a club I’ve really enjoyed being at, it’s local for me and it’s a great place to be.”

U’s head coach Karl Robinson is thrilled to wrap the deal up ahead of the play-off semi-final first leg at Fratton Park.

He admitted Mousinho, who has played 33 games this season, had surprised him in the last few months on the pitch, often keeping Elliott Moore out of the side.

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But the centre back also offers United’s boss far more than what he delivers in matches.

Robinson said: “For us having his personality in the building is incredible.

“It’s not always what you do on the pitch, it’s the experience you have and the way you speak to people.

“It’s great news to have him back for next season, we’ve been trying to get that done over the last few weeks.

“Elliott’s top drawer but he has made Elliott a better player.

“Those legs seem to keep going.

“Let’s see where he is at the end of next year.”