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Stocker delight at Basel contract extension

"I enjoy being here so much that I had to ask myself, 'Why not?' said Valentin Stocker after extending his stay at FC Basel 1893 until 2016 ahead of the visit of Manchester United FC.

Valentin Stocker made his competitive return from injury the day after signing his new Basel deal
Valentin Stocker made his competitive return from injury the day after signing his new Basel deal ©Getty Images

Valentin Stocker has agreed to commit his immediate future to FC Basel 1893 after extending his stay at the St-Jakob-Park club by two years until 2016.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who has made 101 Swiss Super League appearances for the club he joined in 2005, put pen to paper on Friday, before explaining that he wanted to repay the loyalty shown to him by the club when he sustained a serious knee injury in April.

"I'm extremely happy about the contract extension," said Stocker, who has won three league titles and two Swiss Cups with the UEFA Champions League hopefuls. "I enjoy being here so much that I had to ask myself, 'Why not? Why shouldn't I stay here?' The support they gave me was one of the reasons why I wanted to extend the contract."

Stocker, who has been capped nine times by Switzerland, marked his comeback from a seven-month absence on Saturday when coming on second-half substitute during his side's 1-0 victory over FC Luzern. Basel lie third in UEFA Champions League Group C, requiring a home win against Manchester United FC on Wednesday to qualify for the round of 16.

 

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