New deal for Kehl

Borussia Dortmund captain Sebastian Kehl has extended his contract with the Bundesliga leaders by a year.

Dortmund veteran enjoying 'positive developments' at club

Borussia Dortmund captain Sebastian Kehl has extended his contract with the Bundesliga leaders by a year, taking him into a second decade with the club. The 32-year-old's previous deal was due to expire in the summer, but he will now be staying with the club until at least 2013. Kehl's new contract includes an option for a further year based on appearances and the club are pleased with the agreement. "I am very happy that we can continue planning with our captain and an important member of our squad," said Dortmund director of sport Michael Zorc on the club's official website. Kehl joined the club in 2002 from Freiburg, upsetting Bayern Munich, who claimed they had reached a verbal agreement with the former Germany international.

Special club

Injuries have prevented the combative midfielder from making more than 203 league appearances over the last 10 years, but he can look forward to making many more after recently regaining his form. "I am delighted that the club and Sebastian have reached an agreement," said Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp. "We are currently seeing the best Sebastian Kehl that I have ever witnessed at Dortmund." Kehl is also delighted to extend his career, as he said: "Borussia Dortmund is a special club for me and my family. "As the longest-serving player, I am really enjoying playing my part in pushing forwards the positive development of Dortmund."