Mertesacker extends Bremen stay

Germany centre-back Per Mertesacker has extended his contract with Werder Bremen by two years until the summer of 2012.

'Success'
"The success during this EURO and the feeling that Werder absolutely wanted to extend my contract is simply great," he said. "Werder want to achieve big things with me and I want to do the same with Werder. This partnership is ideal." The 23-year-old has played every minute of Germany's UEFA EURO 2008™ campaign and his decision to stay is a real boost for the club. "By extending his contract so early Per Mertesacker has sent out an important signal," Bremen sporting director Klaus Allofs said. "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."

'Expectations'
Mertesacker joined Bremen in 2006 from Hannover 96, where he started his Bundesliga career in 2003. He made his international debut in October 2004 and has appeared 47 times for his country, starting 45 times. Bremen finished runners-up in the Bundesliga to qualify directly for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.