Sought-after Germany forward Marco Reus has committed his future to Borussia Dortmund until 2019.
The 25-year-old had been linked to Real Madrid and several Barclays Premier League clubs — reportedly including Arsenal — but will remain in the Bundesliga with Dortmund for another four years.
A statement published on bvb.de read: “Wonderful news for the nearly 10 million fans of Borussia Dortmund: the player courted by several top European clubs, Marco Reus, has prematurely extended his contract with the eight-time German champions until June 30th, 2019.”
Reus, who joined Dortmund from Borussia Monchengladbach for €17million in 2012, had two more years to run on his deal with the Westfalenstadion club who are currently managed by Jurgen Klopp.
Reus was denied the opportunity to take part in Germany’s World Cup-winning campaign due to an ankle injury but has contributed seven goals across his 23 appearances for Die Mannschaft.
His 70 goals in 169 league outings with Dortmund have helped the club finish second to Bayern Munich twice while, in 2013, BVB were runners-up to their Bavarian rivals in the Champions League final.
Despite their recent glories Dortmund are now struggling to escape the Bundesliga relegation zone, but the club’s management is confident Reus will be key to any revival.
Managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke said: “We never let ourselves be distracted by all the rumours and, while a change is often seen as a good opportunity, this exceptional player has deliberately opted for a future with Dortmund.
“Marco can shape a new era in Dortmund, just like Uwe Seeler did with Hamburg and like Steven Gerrard has with Liverpool.
“The fact Marco has made this decision in the middle of a sporting crisis for BVB shows a high level of loyalty, of which we are very proud.”
Reus, who is serving as vice-captain to Mats Hummels this season, added: “I am very happy with my decision to stick with BVB. Dortmund is my home town and my club is Borussia.
“I look forward to enjoying a successful future with our team, with our fantastic fans behind us. There is plenty for us to do, and I want to tackle it all head on!”
