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Kempf signs new Como deal as Fàbregas eyes Champions League bow

·By Junior Yekini
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Kempf signs new Como deal as Fàbregas eyes Champions League bow

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Marc-Oliver Kempf has extended his Como contract until 2029, as manager Cesc Fàbregas turns his attention to the club's first-ever Champions League campaign.

The German defender's new deal ties him to the Lombardy club for a further three years, rewarding a player who has been central to Como's rise from Serie A returnees to Champions League debutants inside two seasons.

"I'm really happy about this extension. I've felt at home here since day one," Kempf said after putting pen to paper.

"We got great results last year, but there's always room to improve with hard work. I'm proud to be part of this squad and I'd like to thank the fans and the club for their support."

The renewal comes just days after Como discovered their opponents for the Champions League league phase at Thursday's draw in Monaco, with the club set to face Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Manchester United, Real Betis, RB Leipzig, AEK Athens and Lens in their historic first campaign in the competition.

Speaking ahead of Como's Serie A meeting with Napoli, Fàbregas reflected on the occasion: "It was a special afternoon, for the whole of Como, the club and the fans. Now we turn the page. We knew it would be top-level matches, but I don't want to talk too much about the Champions League.

"We want to enjoy the experience, but nothing more. We need to start winning against Napoli, though. Great feelings and a great experience, but Serie A is the most important thing this season."

Fàbregas was also asked whether he had already decided who would miss out on Como's Champions League squad list, with recent signing Willy Kambwala among those who could be left out.

"No, Napoli comes first. There are two days afterwards to sort out the list. I can't guarantee anything right now. Since we qualified for the Champions League my head has been spinning quite a bit. Then the market guides you, along with instincts and how we're playing. We'll have four, five, six Italians in the squad, and we know more than that could still leave."