1. FSV Mainz 05 confirmed the news that Niko Bungert had extended his contract with the club until 2019. The three-year extension means he is contracted at the club for over a decade.
An indispensable player
Aside from Elkin Soto, Bungert is the longest serving player in the current Mainz squad. Since joining in 2008 from Kickers Offenbach, the defender has gone on to make 142 Bundesliga appearances, 32 in the second division and a plenty in the cup competitions. Bungert has established himself as a key player across the last few years of Mainz's rise to become an established Bundesliga club, and is an equally valuable member of Martin Schmidt's squad.
Also able to play at right-back, Bungert joined just after Jürgen Klopp left the club and enjoyed great success under Thomas Tuchel. An almost ever-present this season, the 29-year-old still has great physical ability as he gains even more experience and looks set to play the remainder of his career in the Rhineland-Palatinate.
Heidel and Bungert give their thoughts on the news
Sporting director, Christian Heidel was delighted at the news, "Niko Bungert has been an important player for years now because of his consistent high-level of performance, and is a leading figure off the pitch." He added, "He has shaped the club and the team with his personality like few others, and is a very nice, down to earth player, who is important to Mainz 05. We are pleased that he has chosen to commit his future to us."
Bungert himself spoke on the news of an extension, "After almost eight years at Mainz 05, the decision to prolong my time here at Mainz was not a particularly difficult one." The defender also said, "The club, and everyone associated with club, are very close to my hearts. I feel at home here in Mainz and am looking forward to my future here."
Quotes via 1. FSV Mainz 05's official website