Germany midfielder Bender extends Leverkusen deal

ByReuters

Updated 31/10/2013 at 14:15 GMT

Germany international Lars Bender has has signed a new deal with Bayer Leverkusen that will keep him at the club until 2019.

Lars Bender

Image credit: Imago

The versatile midfielder is a contender for a spot in Germany's 2014 World Cup squad along with twin brother Sven, who plays for Borussia Dortmund.

"We made the right decision when we brought him from 1860 Munich to us four years ago," said Leverkusen sports director Rudi Voller.

"He has more than met the high expectations and is also off the pitch a strong character. You need such a character to be successful in football."

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The 24-year-old, who joined Leverkusen in 2009, has also won 15 caps and scored four goals for Germany, since first being called up in 2011.

"I want to add my part to the story here in Leverkusen and contribute to establishing ourselves for the long term in the top group of teams," said Bender.

Leverkusen, who compete in this season's Champions League, are third in the Bundesliga, a point behind leaders Bayern Munich.

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