Hilario granted Chelsea extension

Chelsea have re-signed veteran goalkeeper Hilario for another year, the English Premier League runners-up announced on Monday.

The shot-stopper has made 37 appearances for the west London club since joining from Portuguese outfit Nacional in June 2006.

The one-cap Portugal international will spend at least one more season at Stamford Bridge, where he has provided back up to first-choice keeper Petr Cech.

“Hilario has signed a one-year extension to his current Chelsea contract,” a statement on the club’s website read.

“The 35-year-old goalkeeper’s contract would have run out this summer but he will now spend a sixth season at Stamford Bridge, having so far made 33 starts and four substitute appearances in his role as one of the keepers supporting Petr Cech.”

“Last season, Hilario played one game, the Community Shield match against Manchester United at Wembley. In March 2010, he made his one appearance for the Portugal national side.”

The extension puts an end to speculation Hilario was on his way out of the club, who remain without a manager since the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti on May 22.