Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender has
drawn a line under the speculation regarding his
future by extending his contract at the club until
2019.
The Germany international has been the subject of
intense speculation in recent months, with Premier
League giants Arsenal and Manchester United
reported to be interested in the highly-rated 24-
year-old.
However, Bender - whose previous deal with the
club ran until 2017 - has moved to distance
himself from the transfer-related rumours by
inking a two-year extension at the BayArena, citing
a desire to be apart of the team's further evolution
as a primary reason for his stay.
"Here at Bayer we have evolved in recent years,
something very positive," the ex-1860 Munich man
told the club's official website. "Our team is is
strong and has the potential to become even
better.
"I want to be part of this story and to make my
contribution so that we can establish ourselves at
the top.
"Bayer have become a great passion for me, I feel
comfortable in this club and it gives me a lot of
pleasure to play here."
The club's sporting director, Michael Schade, went
on to describe Bender as the "cornerstone" of the
team.
"Lars Bender has developed a lot at Bayer
Leverkusen and become an international player,"
said Schade. "He is a very important cornerstone
in our team and a popular figure for Werkself fans."
Leverkusen currently sit third in the Bundesliga,
level on points with Borussia Dortmund and one
point adrift of defending champions Bayern
Munich.
Likewise, the German outfit have enjoyed a positive
continental campaign thus far, with Sami Hyypia's
men sitting one point off Group A leaders
Manchester United in the Champions League.
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