My girlfriend convinced me to extend my contract with Östersund FK - Bernard Mensah

Ghanaian defender Samuel Laryea Mensah has revealed that his girlfriend played a significant role in his contract extension with Ostersunds FK.

Mensah, who signed a three-year deal which will keep him at the club until 2020, was reported to be key summer target for clubs in Denmark, Austria and the Netherlands.

But the new deal appears to have ended all speculations surrounding the 28-year-old defender this summer.

Speaking to the club's website after finalizing the deal, the former Orebro defender disclosed that he was very close to departing the club until his girlfriend stepped in and changed his mind to stay at the Jemkraft Arena.

“I can tell you that I was very close to moving to Nordsjaelland. But after thinking about and listening to my girlfriend Erika’s opinions, I have now chosen to play in Östersund. After I made the decision, it feels right. I have signed for another three years in the club. It’s a very long contract, but it’s easy to sign on for as many years as you like."

“I was so glad Graham wanted me back from Orebro and I really like being here. This club is also very special to me. It was my first club as a professional player and I joined and won Division 2. Now we play Europa League qualifications so it’s a powerful journey. But I think we can write even more story. It will be hard to beat PAOK and go to group games, but we can cause a surprise.”

Mensah has been one of the best players of the Red and Blacks so far this season both in the Europa and the Allsvenskan league.