New deal for Mertesacker
22 Jun 2008 - 16:19:51
Germany defender Per Mertesacker has agreed a two-year contract extension with Werder Bremen.
The 23-year-old centre-half is currently away on international duty at Euro 2008, but has pledged his future to last season's Bundesliga runners-up until the summer of 2012.
Mertesacker has made over 55 appearances for Werder following his arrival from Hannover in 2006.
"By extending his contract so early, Per Mertesacker has sent out an important signal," said the club's sporting director Klaus Allofs.
"This is another step for us towards continuing to field a squad that can live up to our expectations on the international stage and establish itself amongst Europe's best."
Mertesacker added: "Werder want to achieve big things with me and I want to do the same with Werder. This partnership is ideal."