There had been speculation around Pantelis’ future with The Reds but after putting pen to paper today, the 25 year old has decided to stay with the club that he has developed an affinity with.

“I am really happy to say that I have re-signed with Adelaide United. Being an Adelaide boy, I am thrilled to be staying in Adelaide at a club I have grown to love and am very passionate about,” Pantelis said.

“It is going to be great to represent the club in the next two years and I’m glad all of the negotiations are now over and I can concentrate fully on helping the club continue to be successful.”

Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar believes Pantelis’ signing is a positive as Adelaide moves forward and looks to maintain itself as one of the leading clubs in the A-League.

“We’re thrilled to have Lucas re-signed," said Vidmar. "After enduring a tough season last year with injury, he has come into the team and has shown that he has the quality to succeed at this level.

"We’re looking forward at his age in the next two years, to really find super consistency in his performances for the club.

“To have a player who can score goals from midfield is always a bonus for the team.”

Pantelis is enjoying a strong 2007/08 season, the midfielder currently United’s leading scorer this season with five goals from 18 appearances, this rich vein of form earning him an invite into Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek’s national training squad in the lead up to Australia’s opening World Cup Qualifier.

Pantelis missed the entire 2006/07 season after having a knee reconstruction but he is now showing what a dedicated recovery and hard work can do as he has showed glimpses of outstanding form this season as United has struggled to get results.

Now that the contract has been signed, sealed and delivered, Pantelis will be hoping to contribute to helping The Reds defeat Perth Glory on Sunday and possibly keeping United’s finals dreams alive.