Pander extends deal to 2008
21.07.2005
Schalke 04 have extended the contract of Christian Pander by a further year in a move that will tie the defender to the Veltins Arena until 30 June 2008.
"In terms of his age and footballing potential he is one of the cornerstones of our team in the medium term", said team manager Andreas Müller, welcoming the decision of the left-sided player. Last season the 21-year-old established himself as the regular left back, making 24 Bundesliga appearances for the Royal Blues (1 goal). Only an injury prevented him from touring Asia with Germany in December 2004 and thus making his international debut. Pander then suffered cruciate ligament damage in the match against VfB Stuttgart on 9 April 2005 and is currently working on his comeback.
Whilst talks have now been concluded with Pander, negotiations are still taking place with Gerald Asamoah and Levan Kobiashvili. But Müller is confident of reaching another positive outcome. "Things are looking very good. Now Gerald is back from his holiday we'll sit down again in the next few days. The same applies to Kobi." Both players are to be retained.
