RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Colombia international winger Jhon Arias has signed a contract extension with Fluminense after opting against a move to Europe, the Brazilian Serie A club said on Saturday.

The 27-year-old, whose deal with Fluminense had been due to expire in June 2026, will now be tied to the Rio de Janeiro side until mid-2028.

"The decision to stay at Fluminense was a family one, which I made together with my wife," Arias told Fluminense's official website.

"My wife loves Rio, I have a daughter from Rio, and we want her to grow up experiencing the love that her father has for the club. It's time to listen to our hearts and know that what's best for us and our family is to stay here. I play for the love of Fluminense, I love playing for this club, so I was very grateful for the contract that was presented to me."

Media reports in Brazil had linked Arias to Russia's Zenit Saint Petersburg and said he had also received interest from suitors in western Europe and Asia.

Arias has been an influential member of Fluminense's squad since his arrival from Colombia's Independiente Santa Fe in 2021.

He has made 196 appearances for the Carioca outfit, scoring 43 goals and providing 42 assists across all competitions. He was a key part of the team that won Fluminense's first Copa Libertadores title in 2023.

"Jhon is a beloved idol of the fans and everyone at this club. It is this affection and respect that convinced us that this was the right decision," Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt said. Enditem

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