04.02.2010
Mueller, Badstuber extend Bayern contracts
Bayern Munich's striker Thomas Mueller pictured during the German Bundesliga first division match against Borussia Moenchengladbach in the southern German city of Munich on December 4.
Rising Bayern Munich stars Thomas Mueller and Holger Badstuber, two of the Bundesliga's brightest prospects, have extended their contracts until 2014, it was announced Thursday.
The pair, who are both 20, have earned regular places in the Bayern team this season under coach Louis van Gaal and Mueller has been called up to the full Germany squad having also played for the national Under-21 side.
Their contracts were due to expire in June 2011, but the pair have been rewarded with three-year extensions after proving themselves in both the Bundesliga and Champions League this season.
"Both have progressed in a satisfactory way," said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
"They graduated from our academy and they are the type of player we want to have, like (Philipp) Lahm or (Bastian) Schweinsteiger."
Mueller has benefited from injury to both Bayern's stars Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, while his performances have kept Germany striker Miroslav Klose on the bench.
Having been called into the extended Germany squad for fitness testing recently, Mueller has a chance of playing in this summer's World Cup in South Africa which will be held from June 11 to July 11.
Likewise, Badstuber has made 20 Bundesliga appearances and cemented his place in Bayern's defence with a string of impressive performances.
Meanwhile, Belgian defender Daniel van Buyten has also extended his contract with the Bavarian giants until 2012.
Captain Mark van Bommel, goalkeeper Joerg Butt and French midfielder Franck Ribery, whose contract expires in 2011, are also expected to announce whether they will extend their contracts.
Source: © 2010 AFP - Oliver Lang
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