Swansea City Under-21s Adnan Maric Sweden

Swansea City youngster Adnan Maric has signed a three-year contract extension that will see him stay at the Liberty Stadium until June 2019.

The 19-year-old began his career in his native Sweden with Gunnilse IS and GAIS before his move to Swansea's academy in August 2014.

The tough-tackling midfielder - who has made 13 appearances for the Under-21s so far this season - expressed his delight at signing a new deal with the club.

"I am very happy and pleased to be extending my contract here," he said. "I want to thank the club, chairman, all the coaches and staff that have believed in me and helped me get to this point.

"It means so much to have been given this chance. I am one of the lucky ones, so I can't afford to take it for granted.

"I want to repay the faith people have put in me by showing my qualities and how good a footballer I can be.

"I am very excited to see what the next three years will bring. I need to keep working hard to continue my progress."

Maric moved to SA1 from Sweden at the age of 17 to link up with the academy 18 months ago. 

The teenager admits swapping Scandinavia for Swansea was difficult at first, but it has helped him mature.

"The move away from home was tough at the beginning," Maric added. "I left behind everything I was used to, including family and friends, to start a new life.

"Settling in at the beginning was mentally and physically tough.

"But the experience has strengthened me both on and off the pitch and has made me a better person.

"My main focus now over the next three years is to impress for the Under-21s with my main goal to hopefully progress to the first team."