Russia extends Capello contract until end of 2018 World Cup

Russia's Football Union (RFU) said Friday it has extended its contract with national squad manager Italian Fabio Capello until the end of the 2018 World Cup, which Russia will host. No financial details of Capello's new contract were disclosed. The 67-year-old Capello, who guided Russia into the 2014 World Cup finals, 12 years after their last appearance, said he was grateful to the RFU for its trust in him and promised to do his best to make Russia's football lovers happy. "I'd like to thank the RFU president and Russia's Sports Minister for their trust in me," Capello said after signing the new contract. "I'm really happy to continue my work here in Russia. We have great plans for the future and I'll do my best to make Russia's fans happy." RFU president Nikolai Tolstykh meanwhile said he was glad to secure the former England manager's services up to the 2018 World Cup. "We are happy that such an outstanding football specialist will continue with his work in Russian football," he said. "The new contract that we've signed stipulates that Mr Capello will also be in charge of the country's national teams of different ages." The former AC Milan coach led Russia to qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, providing a huge boost for the country whose failure to reach the finals in 2006 and 2010 was seen as a national humiliation. Capello took over the Russian side following the resignation of Dutchman Dick Advocaat, who quit after Russia's group-stage exit at Euro 2012.