BERLIN, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Jonas Hector inked a new contract extension despite Cologne's almost certain relegation, the Billy Goats confirmed in an official statement on Monday.
When their club relegated into a lower division, most players tend to make use of their release clause and join top-flight clubs.
Cologne's defender and Germany international Hector has different approach to the situation as he extended his running contract despite a very likely relegation with eight points to safety and nine points to spare.
The 27-year-old defender even penned a two-year contract extension ahead of the schedule, which will keep him with the "Billy Goats" until June 2023.
"I am very connected and thankful to this club and I feel very comfortable in Cologne. It would have been easy to make a move to another club after this season but for me that doesn't feel right. I belong to this club and I want full attack with the team and our fans in the next season," Hector said.
Hector joined Cologne from lower league side Auersmacher in 2010 to become the skipper of defense. His performances on the pitch and leader abilities earned him a spot in Germany's national team in 2014.
The defender made overall 172 appearances for Cologne and provided six goals and 11 assists. He has worn Germany's national jersey 36 times and scored three times.
"Jonas is an extraordinary player and a special individual which is rarely to find in today's professional football. The fact that he continues with us as a current Germany international underlines this. Jonas' commitment to Cologne is a great signal for the team, the club and our fans," Cologne's sporting director Armin Veh said.
Cologne sit in last place in the Bundesliga standings, eight points adrift of safety with three rounds to play. The Billy Goats will clash with relegation-threatened Freiburg in the 32nd round of Bundesliga action on Saturday.
