Crystal Palace have announced that Joel Ward has signed a new two-year contract at the club until 2023 following the conclusion of his last deal this summer.
Ward had technically been a free agent for the last two weeks and was allowed to negotiate with other clubs over a free transfer, but has put pen to paper over a deal that will take his association with the club past the 10-year mark.
The 31-year-old made the move to Selhurst Park in 2012 from Portsmouth, earning promotion to the Premier League in his first season with the club via the play-offs.
Ward had a huge part to play in the victory over Watford in the final, making a goal-line clearance to help Palace see off the Hornets.
The defender had recently told football.london that talks were ongoing with the club and he was hoping to extend his stay in South London despite his contract reaching its conclusion.
"We are in a transitional stage and in a different position now going into the summer with changes on the horizon," Ward stated.
"As players we just have to focus on what we can control and that is our own performances and the way we conduct ourselves. Everything else is down to the hierarchy, the chairman and people involved in that process. I think the club has a great platform and a great foundation to build from.
"All I can do is focus on playing. I still believe there are many more years here at the club and hopefully that can get resolved and sorted. I would like to think I have given everything I can to keep the club in the Premier League.
"Hopefully things get sorted out, we are in talks and the club know where I stand, so hopefully things can move forward and when things get tied up we can enjoy the next few years."
After signing his new deal, Ward admitted his delight at pledging his future to the club while chairman Steve Parish highlighted the defender's attitude as Palace look to blend together a mix of youth and experience.
"I’m delighted," Ward told the club's website. "I think it’s great to have committed the future to the club. We know it’s an exciting time for the club in the way things are shaping up, so I think with a new manager coming in and staff as well, it’s going to be an exciting period."
Parish added: "Joel has played such a key part in our success over the best part of a decade, and he has consistently given the club his all during that time.
"He is a model professional, and securing his services for another two years is a big step towards ensuring the squad has the healthy balance of youth and experience that we’re hoping to create."
