Marcel Schmelzer has delighted fans of Borussia Dortmund by putting pen to paper on a new deal - keeping the full-back tied down until 2021. This is his eleventh year at the club, since joining the youth academy in 2005.

Home, sweet home

As for the deal, Schmelzer commented: "I am delighted to be part of this squad going into the future," before speaking of his love for the club and Ruhr area, "Borussia Dortmund is and will stay my sporting home, and the region has become a place to call home for me and my family over all these years."

The current campaign is Schmelzer's eighth season with the senior side, making his debut in the first round of a DFB-Pokal match against Rot-Weiss Essen. The left-back succeeded Brazilian club legend Dedé and has since remained unchallenged in his position. These consistent performances have been key in Dortmund's revival - The German played in every minute before going onto win the Meisterschale at the culmination of the 2010/11 season. The following campaigns brought more success, winning the domestic double a year later, before finishing as runner-ups in the 2013 UEFA Champions League finale.

Happy hierarchy

"One of the strongest left-backs in Europe," said Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke heaping on the praise, describing 'Schmelle' as "a wonderful person who has as much respect and affection for BVB as we have for him."

Schmelzer vying for the ball in Dortmund's 3:2 Revierderby win | Photo: News Locker
Schmelzer vying for the ball in Dortmund's 3:2 Revierderby win | Photo source: News Locker

BVB sporting director, and former one-club player, Michael Zorc said the 28-year-old "fully identifies with our club" and would continue to be crucial under the tutelage of manager Thomas Tuchel.

The Madegburg-born player has made 16 appearances for the national team and was part of the illustrious UEFA under-21 Championship-winning side of 2009. Schmelzer joins teammate Sven Bender in extending his contract until 2021.

VAVEL Logo
About the author