SoccerNews.com

French international striker Bafetimbi Gomis extended his contract with French First Division side Saint Etienne on Monday which ties him to the club till June 2012.

The 22-year-old was the surprise inclusion in the France squad for Euro 2008 when it was named by coach Raymond Domenech last week – he had become the first French player since Zinedine Zidane to score a double on his debut on the eve of the squad being selected against Ecuador.

Gomis, who scored 16 goals last season which saw St Etienne qualify for the UEFA Cup, said he was delighted to have extended his contract with the club.

“I am very happy to stay at Saint-Etienne and to experience a European campaign with the club that I started with,” he said.

“I also hope to win a place in the Champions League in the future with ‘The Greens’.

“My priority was always to stay with Saint-Etienne.

“It was important for me to sort out my personal life before the beginning of Euro.”

France – who won the European title in 1984 and 2000 – are in the Group of Death with world champions Italy, 1988 European kings Holland and dark horses Romania, who they play first up on June 9.

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