Zambian international Stoppila Sunzu has signed a three-year contract with French Ligue 1 side Lille Olympique Sporting Club (LOSC) which will keep him at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy until 2019, the club announced on Saturday.

LOSC Assistant General Manager Jean-Michel Vandamme told the club’s official website on Saturday that Sunzu was a great addition to the squad and that his qualities would be useful in the Europa League.

Vandamme added that coach Frédéric Antonetti was especially happy with Sunzu’s professionalism.

“Every time we called on him, Stoppila proved effective. He has already integrated and is highly respected in the squad. He is not only a great professional but also a great gentleman. He’s a great addition to the locker room,” said Vandamme.

“We are very pleased to have been able to sign him, especially with the challenges of the Europa League, where competence and commitment are vital in serving the team.”

The Chipolopolo defender had a successful loan spell with the club last season and has now made a permanent move from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua.

He made 10 appearances and scored two goals in the process, his first goal coming against Troyes in the League Cup at the end of October and his second came in a league match against Nantes in March.