Moscow, Aug 18 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia's forward Alexander Kerzhakov has signed a new four-year contract with Zenit St. Petersburg football club, the Russian champions said.

The deal contains an option for a further year, a statement on the Zenit website said Friday.

Kerzhakov came through the Zenit youth system and played for the team from 2001 to 2006, before returning in 2010 after spells with Sevilla and Dynamo Moscow.

The 29-year-old striker is the third-highest scorer in Russian top-flight history with 123 goals.

Kerzhakov has scored 19 goals in 64 appearances for the Russian national team.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

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