Fulham responded to the repeated speculation linking Brede Hangeland to other clubs by signing the defender to an improved contract through to the end of the 2012-13 season.
The 28-year-old Norway captain was linked with bigger teams including Arsenal after helping Fulham avoid relegation in 2008 and then finish in an all-time best seventh place in the Premier League last season.
But Fulham said Friday that the Texas-born defender will now stay with the west London side.
"I am delighted that Brede has been justly rewarded with a new deal," Fulham manager Roy Hodgson said. "He is an extremely important player for us and a model professional."
Hodgson signed Hangeland from FC Copenhagen during a busy January 2008 transfer window shortly after he himself joined the Cottagers.
He helped Fulham recover from a disastrous first half of the season and the club avoided demotion to second tier on goal difference after winning its last three matches.
Hangeland then started 37 of Fulham's 38 Premier League games during the 2008-09 season as the club, which is mostly overshadowed by local rival Chelsea, achieved the best league position of its 130-year history.
"I am delighted to have just signed a new deal and hope that this will now end months of speculation about my future," Hangeland said. "I have always maintained that I am happy at Fulham and committed to doing everything I can to ensure ongoing success of the team.
"It's great to see that the club has made great progress since I first joined."
Fulham is 10th after 13 matches this season ahead of its home game against Bolton on Saturday.
