Gomez extends Bayern Munich contract until 2016

Germany striker Mario Gomez has extended his contract at FC Bayern Munich until 2016. This was disclosed a day after the Bundesliga giants beat Olympique Marseille 2-0 to move into the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League.

In a statement Gomez said, "As I've always said, FC Bayern is a magnificent club, where I feel good and where I believe I have the best sporting perspective, so I'm delighted we've agreed a contract extension. I'm convinced we’re set for great things here in the years to come. I want to play my part in that."

The 26 year old striker was signed by Bayern Munich in 2009 for a record German transfer fee of 35 Million Euros from VfB Stuttgart, but it took Gomez a while to settle down. Only in the second year he started to show his old class like in Stuttgart and was top scorer with 28 goals last season. This season he again is jointly top with Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar on 23 goals.

Gomez has not only established himself at Bayern Munich but also in the German national team. The son of a Spanish father and a German mother still has had a childhood dream to play for FC Barcelona one day, but for the moment he is happy to remain in Bavaria.

"In recent years, Mario Gomez has developed into one of Europe's best strikers,” said FC Bayern's Director of Sports Christian Nerlinger, "we're delighted he'll continue to score his goals for FC Bayern. We've now concluded contract extensions with Mario and other current internationals, securing a long-term foundation for FC Bayern over the coming years."

Besides Gomez other key players like Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger also have contracts until 2016.