Orlando City forward Tesho Akindele signed a contract extension with the Lions, the club announced on Friday.

The new deal includes options for the 2022 and 2023 season, extending Akindele’s stay with Orlando an extra two years. His original contract was set to end after the 2021 season.

“I’m just really happy that I get to be here for the foreseeable future,” said Akindele. “I had a great year last year, on and off the field. I love the fans, I love the city, couldn’t be more proud to be part of this team and look forward to big things in the future.”

Akindele, 28, joined Orlando from FC Dallas ahead of their 2019 season, scoring a career-high 10 goals in 28 appearances in his first season with City.

“We are very excited to have Tesho continue with us in Orlando,” Orlando City EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi said. “He has shown true leadership both on and off the field since his arrival, as well as an innate goal-scoring ability. Tesho is a very important piece on our roster and a role model for our youth. We look forward to seeing his continued involvement with the growth of all aspects of our Club.”

Akindele recently appeared as a second half substitute, playing 27 minutes in Orlando City’s 2-1 victory over Inter Miami in the opener of the MLS is Back Tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports.

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