St Kilda midfielder Jack Steven says he’s a “Saint for life” after signing a five-year contract extension with the AFL club.

The 24-year-old’s deal will keep him at the St Kilda until at least the end of the 2020 season.

“This effectively makes me a Saint for life, which I am thrilled about,” Steven said in a club statement on Thursday.

“There was some interest from other teams but I never entertained the thought of leaving the Saints.

“I’ve got some close friends here and there is a great vibe around the place with some positive things happening and this is the club I want to represent for my entire career.”

St Kilda chief operating officer Ameet Bains said the signing was an example of the positive momentum around the club.

“For a player such as Jack to commit to the club in such an emphatic manner shows the faith our playing list has in the club and its direction,” Bains said.

The Saints kickoff their season against the Greater Western Sydney on April 5.