Croatia international Josip Simunic has turned down the chance to join Fiorentina in order to extend his stay at Hertha Berlin.

The 28-year-old was scheduled to fall out of contract in the summer and had indicated he intended to join the Serie A club on a free transfer.

However, he had a last-minute change of heart and opted to sign a new five-year deal with Hertha.

"I decided in the end to stay with Hertha because I want to help rebuild the young team," explained Simunic.

The Australian-born defender joined Hertha in 2000 having had spells with Hamburg and Melbourne Knights earlier in his career.