Striker Colin Kazim-Richards has extended his contract with Derby County.
The 34-year-old, capped at senior international level by Turkey, has impressed over the course of the 2020/21 campaign after joining as a free agent in October.
Kazim-Richards is now contracted with the Rams until the end of the 2021/22 season.
The powerful frontman has been a positive presence both on and off the field and played a key role in Derby’s improved form under Wayne Rooney in recent months.
Rooney said: “Colin deserves to be with us for another year. His performances have been excellent, his character and leadership in the dressing room has been infectious and it was important that we could try and get him tied down for another year as quick as possible.
“We are all delighted that he will be staying with us for another year. It is important for all the players to show character and I know and understand players have different qualities and they are all different characters.
“Colin has been great in the sense that he has become a real leader for us, and I think for his performances alone he deserves to get a new deal.”
Although supporters have not been able to see Kazim-Richards in action for the Rams owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, he has already built up a strong relationship with the Derby faithful on social media.
He has found the net six times in 24 appearances in all competitions, including a stunning long-range strike in Derby’s 2-1 home win over Middlesbrough earlier this month.
Kazim-Richards, who has amassed more than 500 appearances in club football, began his career in England at Bury and has since gained significant experience both at home and abroad.
He has also played in Turkey, France, Greece, Holland, Scotland, Brazil and Mexico over the course of his career, as well as featuring in the Champions League and Europa League.
