Ricken pens new Dortmund deal

Lars Ricken has signed a new four-year contract at Borussia Dortmund.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Lars Ricken has signed a new four-year contract at the Westfalenstadion.

The Dortmund-born 29-year-old joined the Ruhr valley giants at the age of 14 and had no hesitation in extending his contract with Bert van Marwijk's side, despite the financial uncertainty surrounding the club.

"The BVB is a matter very close to my heart and I am looking forward to continuing to play for this club and their superb fans," Ricken told the club's official website.

Ricken rose to prominence as a member of Ottmar Hitzfeld's team which won two Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League during the mid 1990s.

Dortmund's director of sport Michael Zorc hailed Ricken as an integral part of the club.

"Lars Ricken belongs to the club like no one else and I am very happy that we had fair and constructive talks with him about the new deal," said Zorc.

Ricken joins goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller and fellow midfielder Florian Kringe in committing his long term future to the club.