Schlotterbeck signs new deal with Borussia Dortmund
Nico Schlotterbeck said his ultimate goal is to help Borussia Dortmund become Bundesliga champion, after ending speculation over his future by signing a new five-year contract at the club.
Schlotterbeck's previous deal was due to expire at the end of this season, and he was linked with Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United, among other sides.
But on Friday, Dortmund confirmed he had committed his future to the club until 2031, although reports suggested he will have a release clause that only applies to certain clubs.
Dortmund has had a strong season and, if not for the extraordinary form of Bayern Munich, might have been in contention to become German champion.
But speaking on the eve of a home clash with Bayer Leverkusen this weekend, the centre-back said the club presented him with a strong plan for future domestic success.
"Basically, I know what I have at this club and what I will continue to have here in the future," he said.
"That's why I've now decided to stay with BVB. I'm absolutely delighted to be extending my contract here.
"Of course, my aim is to win a title. And of course, I want to win titles with BVB. They put a plan to me, and I am in complete agreement with it.
"I've seen what can be achieved here, the sheer power that the club, the stadium and the city can unleash. That's why this is the big goal I want to achieve with BVB.
"That's why I'm here. That's why I signed my first contract almost four years ago, and that’s why I've signed again now."
While Dortmund is overwhelmingly likely to finish second, Leverkusen is battling to ensure UEFA Champions League qualification for next season, sitting sixth on the table ahead of its trip to Signal Iduna Park.
Its 6-3 win over Wolfsburg last week eased the pressure on head coach Kasper Hjulmand somewhat, but the Dane knows a tough test awaits this weekend.
"Dortmund no longer have any double gameweeks, either domestically or in Europe. They come out firing every week and are currently in very good form," Hjulmand said.
"They have an incredible sharpness, which we also need. They often don't have many more chances than their opponents, but they still win games.
"It's important to focus on ourselves. We always aim to play our own game. Last time against BVB [in the DFB-Pokal], we created spaces well and had very strong build-up play. We have to defend well again to beat them."
