After his current deal was set to expire, Sandro Sirigu has penned a one-year extension with SV Darmstadt 98.
Sirigu only made six appearances for Die Lilien last season in the Bundesliga, just one of them starts, but the club are keen to keep the experienced full-back around to provide cover for György Garics on the right.
Sirigu has no qualms about sticking around either, with him having thoroughly enjoyed his three years in Hesse so far and more than eager to add a fourth to the tally.
Speaking to the club's official website, the 27-year-old said quite clearly: "The team, the city and the fans have grown in my heart over the past years."
Sirigu joined Darmstadt from 1. FC Heidenheim back in 2013 and has helped them rise from the 3. Liga to the Bundesliga with back-to-back promotions.
He eluded to these incredible achievements too when speaking after signing his contract extension, adding: "I have been able to celebrate unbelievable success with the team. Therefore I am happy that my future will be with Darmstadt."
Another chance, another position?
After spending the previous two seasons as the nailed on starter for Darmstadt at right-back, Sirigu will have been surprised by his lack of playing time last term following Garics' arrival from Bologna.
It looked like he would leave the club this summer in search of more minutes, but this new deal could suggest that he senses an opportunity to get back into the team instead of moving on.
Even if this is not by taking Garics' place, Sirigu's versatility increases his chances of getting game time elsewhere on the pitch. The 27-year-old is capable of switching onto the left of defence if required and can even play further forward as a right midfielder.
After the departures of wingers Tobias Kempe and Konstantin Rausch this summer, it could well be further forward where manager Norbert Meier sees Sirigu featuring too.