Berlin, Jul 22 (IANS): Hertha Berlin have extended the contract of midfielder Vladimir Darida ahead of schedule, the Bundesliga football club announced.

The Czech Republic international remains with the "Old Lady" after inking a new deal until June 2021, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Vladimir is an incredibly important player for us. We are very delighted that he will continue to play a major role in our midfield in the coming years," Berlin's sporting director Michael Preetz said.

Despite missing two months of the last season due to an ankle injury, the 26-year-old midfielder helped Hertha, with two goals in 25 appearances, to secure a top-six finish and a berth in the UEFA Europa League group stage.

"The talks with those responsible were very harmonious as everyone had the same objective. I have had two beautiful years so far. Now I am looking forward to the upcoming tasks," Darida told the club's official homepage.

Since his arrival in the summer of 2015, the midfielder provided seven goals and five assists in overall 56 competitive appearances.

Hertha Berlin will encounter newly promoted Stuttgart at the first round in Bundesliga on August 19.