Robben and Bayern agree on contract extension

Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben reacts after scoring during a match between Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg in Munich, Germany on Dec 10, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]?

BERLIN - Arjen Robben has extended his expiring contract ahead of schedule, the German record champions confirmed in an official statement on Monday.

After a long back and forth, midfielder Arjen Robben penned a one-year contract extension, which will keep him at Bayern until June 2018.

"Arjen is one of the best professionals in the world. He plays in Munich for almost eight years and has become an important part of the club. We are glad tat he will be wearing Bayern's jersey for another year," Bayern' s CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.

The 32-year-old midfielder joined from Real Madrid in the summer 2009 to become a key player at Bayern, where he lifted five Bundesliga titles, four German Cups, the UEFA Champions League title 2013/2014 as well as the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2014.

"I am happy that I will be playing another year at Bayern," the Dutchman said. "The club is one of the best in the world and Munich has become my second home for me and my family. I would like to continue playing on top level and winning as many titles as possible," he added.

The 89-time Netherlands international provided since his arrival 82 goals and 50 assists in 152 competitive appearances for the "Bavarians".

Bundesliga front-runners Bayern Munich kick off the second-half of the campaign against newly promoted Freiburg on January 20.