Wendell extends stay at Bayer 04 to 2022

"Over the course of his six years at Leverkusen, Wendell has become a key member of our squad," said sporting director Simon Rolfes in explaining the new deal with the 26-year-old. "As a full-back, he plays a significant role on the pitch and, beyond that, he very much identifies with the team and the whole club," added Rolfes. Wendell is very important to us as a player and also as a role model."

Sporting managing director Rudi Völler added his contribution to the deal: "Bayer 04 are a special club for Wendell. In the past, he's had a number of interesting offers but has always remained loyal to us. We're happy we can continue to rely on him."

For Wendell, the contract extension is "a fantastic business. Six years at the same club are not a given for a football player. I like to remember my conversations with Zé Roberto who recommended Bayer 04 to me before my move to Germany. He said it's a club where I can be happy. He didn't promise too much," Wendell vouched. "I have always felt at home here, every single day. This club has become my family. And I'm sure we can achieve great things with our brilliant team."