Kehl signs until 2008 - 'I want to reach something here'
Sebastian Kehl remains with Borussia beyond season 2005/2006. At the press conference before the first practicing in 2006 Kehl and sport manager Michael Zorc announced Kehl's contract extension until end of June 2008. Kehl and Zorc made it clear, that it was finally the good perspective was very important for the extension.Big surprise around the waiting journalists when besides coach Bert van Marwijk, manager Watzke and sport manager Zorc also Kehl entered the pressroom inside the Westfalenstadium. All four of then had a good news for Borussia's fans, which was announced by Zorc after the welcome: 'We agreed with Sebastian Kehl on a contract extension until end of June 2008.', Zorc said. After that Zorc showed, that he was very happy about that agreement. 'Sebastian became a leading player, which we are very happy about. We managed to keep the team together in this not very situation.', with which he pointed of the extensions of Wörns, Metzelder, Dede and Weidenfeller and the young talents Kringe, Odonkor and Sahin. 'We want to raise something with this team.', Zorc said. With the Kehl's extension the last vacant midfield position is occupied in the next two years.
The new treaty, of which no more details where announced, contains no clause of premature leave. Nothing out of the ordinary for Kehl, since he once more shows his great identification with Borussia. 'I had some foreign contacts, but here in Dortmund a lot is raised - we are on the right way. I want to reach something here and grow in a leading roll. I identify myself strong with club and fans.', Kehl said. Especially 'The Unity’s 15 m long Banner which was especially painted for Kehls extension and said 'Sebastian, please stay and sign.' effected him and ensured him for his decision.
Also Watzke was very happy after Kehl signed his extension: 'We are very happy, since Sebastian is a very important part in our young team. He is a leading player and can fire the young team up. „That is took that long with the extension and a few supporters took that as bad sign, Kehl described like that: 'It took a little longer, but I wanted to use the vacation for making my mind about some things. At the end we agreed very quickly. I believe I made the right step and now I finally concentrate on football again.', so die 25 year old player.
It was not the financial aspect, which made the decision, but the long term perspective in Dortmund. Kehl had some better offers from abroad, but at the end Borussia’s management to convince Kehl. 'The club presented the possibility to play international again.', Kehl said, once more looking back an the difficult situation last year. 'The club did hard work in several areas. The club, coach and I have a perspective the come back to the top again.'
Kehl and also Watzke once more applied to the audience to have patience with the very young team and asked for trust, so coach van Marwijk can continue their work. It is indented to qualify for the European cup this year. Bert van Marwijk was not surprised by Kehl's contract extension: 'Sebastian is a very important player and I am happy that he stays. I talked to him several times and always had the feeling that he would stay. So I was not very surprised.'
Geschrieben von Tommy
