Pressley is a key figure in the Hearts defence

The new deal could be extended to a third year if the 31-year-old makes a certain amount of appearances.

Pressley said on Wednesday that he hoped to stay at Tynecastle beyond even the end of this contract.

"I've aspirations to play until I'm 37. If I see out the next three years, I'll just be short of 35 and will be delighted to stay longer," he said.

"My heart told me I would re-sign, but my head said I might not because, sometimes, we seemed miles apart but we have come to an agreement now.

"There were some important issues to be sorted out, but things are moving along now.

Steven is priceless not just in monetary terms but in his influence Hearts head coach John Robertson

"I spoke to Mr Romanov (Hearts major shareholder) several months ago and he gave me the vision of the way he wanted the club to move forward.

"The changeover at the club was an important factor but the most significant thing was my desire to stay here.

"Sometimes, the grass is not always greener on the other side. I have had my seven best years in football at Hearts and my family and I are fairly settled here so all those important factors came together.

"I am delighted to re-sign. Everyone has been aware of my desire to stay at the club.

"It was an easy decision to make because I have never hidden the fact I wanted to stay here."

Hearts head coach John Robertson believes that the 31-year-old can play on for another nine years like former Rangers and Hearts player Sandy Jardine, who played some of his best football when he left Ibrox for Tynecastle in 1982 at the age of 34.

"Steven is priceless not just in monetary terms but in his influence," he said.

"He's a unique professional, a throwback to the old days in that he teaches young players.

"Steven is to our defence what Sandy Jardine was when he first arrived at Hearts.

"Sandy was a huge influence on Craig Levein and I think Steven has been a huge influence on Andy Webster, who is a regular in the Scotland squad, and will continue to be a huge influence on Christophe Berra, Craig Sives and Lee Wallace.

"Sandy Jardine played to 40 and there is no reason why Steven can't do the same. This is just the start."